This afternoon NewMexiKen saw the fourth of the five relatively depressing films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar — Sideways. While well written and well acted, this film disappointed. Perhaps there was just too much praise when it was first released — or perhaps I’m just unsophisticated. It would rank fourth among the four I’ve seen. It wouldn’t have made my five best list.
Thomas Haden Church has been nominated for the best supporting actor Oscar for his performance as Jack in this film. I don’t get it. While good, and funny, it seemed to me as if Mr. Church was playing the actor who played the part of Lowell Mather in the TV series Wings.
Virginia Madsen has also been nominated for a best supporting Oscar for her performance as Maya. Ms. Madsen was fine, but it’s almost as if she was nominated because Maya is just so damn appealing.
Paul Giamatti on the other hand was excellent and, I think, deserving of an Oscar nomination. He didn’t get one.