Going on a long journey to the wine country, in order to celebrate before his wedding, Miles Raymond, a miserable teacher, who takes his friend, Jack, an ex actor, who is about to be married, brings terrible for both of them, as there, they begin to question their relationships.
Much like Altman, Hal Ashby and Billy Wilder -- three filmmakers whose movies are celebrated for their naturalism, their humanism and their wicked, often merciless satire -- Payne makes films about ordinary people with their rumples and flaws left intact,
Suite101.com
October 01, 2010
"Sideways" is about wine aged to perfection sipped by men who've aged to mediocrity - softer, hornier versions of Walter and The Dude. But Miles's brutal honesty is its soul. He's annoyingly, depressingly out there, but never fraudulent.
Payne has made a movie for the same sorts of people, one with body and 'nose' and character that movie lovers will savor long after the credits have rolled.
Houston Chronicle
November 12, 2004
This isn't the sort of road comedy we're used to seeing. Its humor is more likely to provoke smiles and light chuckles than guffaws.
Urban Cinefile
October 18, 2008
This wonderfully satisfying study in human nature is funny and sad and profoundly entertaining from start to finish.
