2005-04-17 20:46:18.166734+00 by Dan Lyke 2 comments
So I know some folks out there liked Sideways![[Wiki]](/adbanners/lookingglass.png){kind=small}
. We rented it last night and... well... it was kind of like Leaving Las Vegas, ie: drunk tries to consume himself into oblivion, only without the happy ending. Completely unsympathetic characters. Well played, but I couldn't find any reason to care.
What made it work for others?
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#Comment Re: made: 2005-04-18 10:35:17.202655+00 by: Jerry Halstead
Huh, I didn't think it was even remotely like LLV. And the ending, if not happy, was at least hopeful.
Watched it this weekend and really enjoyed it. Hadn't seen previews or read reviews so the whole thing was fresh.
I thought both characters were strong. At times I hoped they'd play it safe and go on with the trip Miles had planned. But then again the party trip his buddy wanted opened up some doors (good and bad) for Miles.
#Comment Re: made: 2005-04-18 14:14:12.727009+00 by: Dan Lyke
I had zero luck trying to generate any empathy for Miles. Much like Ben in Leaving Las Vegas, he's trying to drink himself into oblivion (although he has this charming gullible geekery about consumerism that makes it a classier sort of oblivion), and much like Ben he finds someone who's willing to explore his vice who might make him change his mind.
Unlike Sera in Leaving Las Vegas, it's not clear that Maya ever gets what she needs from the relationship, and Miles clearly doesn't get that blaze of glory he's looking for. So, no happy ending. Just time spent with two people I'd try to to avoid at a party.
At least that's my take.