Everybody's a critic - 'Sideways'

Four stars (out of four)

"Sideways" stars Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church -- you know, the monkey from "The Planet of The Apes" and what's-his-face from "Wings." This movie includes everything: drama, romantic comedy, buddy film, road-trip movie and so much more.

It's about two middle-aged buddies having one last wine-tasting trip before one of them gets married. It's a shame Giammatti didn't get an Oscar nomination for his role as Miles. It's a character so true to life that you can't help but wonder if he was based on a person you know.

Church also shines in this movie as Jack, a lady's man who hasn't quite grown up yet. As great as the characters are separately, their friendship together is the highlight of the movie. Whether they're fighting or having man-to-man talks with one another, they are endlessly amusing and captivating. I can safely say this will be one of the best films you see all year.

- Brian McDonald, student

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Four stars (out of four)

"Sideways" is the story of two friends taking a trip through California wine country on the eve of one of their weddings. "Sideways" is, without a doubt, the best movie I have seen this Oscar year.

The film is an exercise in greatness, from director Alexander Payne's extraordinary casting to the impeccably executed use of extended metaphor to relate the life of main character Miles (Paul Giamatti) to that of a fine wine that has aged past its peak.

Giamatti does a superb job of accentuating how pathetic his character's life has become in recent years. The film is hilarious in some parts, hopelessly depressing in others, downright inspiring in a few sections, and arguably the best 123 minutes I've spent in a theater.

- Matt Hickle, student

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One star (out of four)

I found "Sideways" lacking in appeal. It was boring and I almost fell asleep -- not once, but many times.

It was also vulgar. The language could have been cleaned up a lot.

The nudity could have been toned down like it was in the beginning of the movie.

The poor film quality of the graphics reminded me of a 1970s movie.

The only thing that was interesting and educational was the wine tasting.

The film is a flop. I would not recommend it to anyone.

I would never take my daughter to see such a filthy, dirty, disrespectful show.

It is unlikely that I would buy this movie when it came out on video.

- Tiffany Munroe