Sideways

Dir. Alexander Payne. 2004, 126 mins. 35mm. With Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh. Best friends Miles and Jack, two middle-aged guys with little in common but their propensity for failure, set off to California wine country for one last stab at fun and romance. Sideways was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Original Screenplay for Payne and his co-writer Jim Taylor. Giamatti’s portrayal of a wannabe novelist entering middle-age stands as one of the loveliest centerpieces of any Payne film, and he’s given able support by a trio of superb character actors, including Haden Church as his cocky, former soap-star best buddy; Madsen as an angelic sommelier with grander career ambitions; and Oh as her tough-as-nails friend. Packed in equal measure with brilliant comic set pieces and wistful dialogues between people desperate for connection, Sideways remains one of the 21st century’s most gratifying surprise hits. 

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission. Review safety protocols before your visit.