“Sideways,” 24 November 2004, theater. This is a very good movie by Thomas Payne (“Citizen Ruth,” “Election,” “About Schmidt” all reviewed in this list) about the road trip by two unsuccessful former college roommates, one a failing novelist cum English teacher (Paul Giamatti “American Splendour”) and a failing soon-to-be married actor (Thomas Hayden Church) through the central wine district in California. Neither are very appealing but this film is as they ruminate on success, failure, their insecurities, maturity and immaturity with candor and hypocrisy. Giamatti is totally depressed and a divorced failure. Church is marrying for money and security. He chases Stephanie Oh while Giamatti holds long conversations about wine and life with Virginia Madsen. Very dark and very funny in the tradition of Paynes other three films. Some hysterical bits with Church and a breathtaking discussion of Pinot Noir and other wines by Giamatti and Madsen. See this one!