2004 was a very good year in movies:
-Incredibles
-Anchorman
-Dodgeball
-13 Going On 30----which really grew on me
-Closer
-Mean Girls
It was a great year for comedies. In fact I do not know if there has been a better year since 2004 for comedy.
My number one film for 2004 is:
SIDEWAYS
Director Alexander Payne
Screenwriter Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor
Based On The Book by Rex Picket
Starring Paul Giamatti; Thomas Haden Church; Sandra Oh; Virginia Madsen
Two men reaching middle age, Miles (Giamatti) and Jack (Church). Take a short driving trip thorough California wine country to celebrate Jack's pending nuptials. However they cross paths with Maya (Madsen) and Stephanie (Oh), then things get interesting.
A wonderful story. True story about middle age and choosing what path to go in life. It sounds serious. Far from it. This film is also a love story and has many laugh out loud moments. Highlighted by four great performances by four of the best actors of our time.
Fun and not so fun facts:
-During the audition Church stripped naked because that is what it called for.
-The dinner scene was mostly improvised
-Church left acting to do just voice over work until he got this call from Alex Payne.
-Sandra Oh learned how to ride a motorcycle for her part
-Payne chose the wine list for the movie
-Giamatti admits in real life he does not like wine
Sideways is a wonderful film which won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. 5 out of 5 for Sideways. I always wished they made a follow up to see how Miles is doing.
From the shadows and 2004 thanks for your time as always.
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