Sideways came out and surprised a few people with how good it was. Mostly me, I guess. I resisted seeing the film when it released in theaters despite my enjoyment of Paul Giamatti in most things he’s done. Even for a foodie like me I have trouble being drawn to a film just because it involves that thing I love so much. And Sideways added in the benefit of alcohol. But I did finally see and love the film. I could have done without the flopping tallywhacker though.
Next week another vino inspired film comes out. I’ve yet to see Bottle Shock, which premiered at Sundance 2008. I was there, but I believe I was either watching the horrible wannabe snuff film Downloading Nancy, or perhaps I was interviewing Emily Blunt. I hope it was the latter because that would make me feel better.
Except that perhaps it wouldn’t. Despite being led by the venerable Alan Rickman Munch Monster’s own Josh Tyler came back from his viewing with less than stellar things to say. Rickman it would seem puts in another classic and wonderful performance, but that can’t save a muddied script. Of course, I can’t speak to the film’s disparate storylines. But having spent the cold days in Utah with Mr. Tyler I’m sure he got his story straight, even if Bottle Shock’s director didn’t.
There’s also the problem of it being summer time, and films that don’t involve exploding cars or flying billionaires in rubber suits just don’t garner my attention at this point in life. Bottle Shock is based on the true story of Steven Spurrier who brought the California vineyards up against the dominant French back in the 70s. It was the turning point that made Napa Valley the place to get wine outside of France.
Munch Monster’s recommendation: wait for the DVD rental.
Get the trailer for Bottleshock here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.