Sideways in Trouble

One of my favorite movies of recent months, Sideways, was in today's New York Times with critics who loved the movie squaring off against those who are afraid of how it glamourizes boozing. How about the message of having a one-week affair just before you get married? Well I loved the movie and am not worried about these bad influences...

Here is what the Times said....

"Critics for the most part found the movie delightful and described Miles as an oenophile, adult viewers flocked to the clever comedy, and the positive buzz bolstered tourism in the Santa Ynez Valley, where the movie was filmed.

But a much more critical appraisal is coming from alcohol treatment professionals, recovering alcoholics and others who say that while Miles obviously suffers from alcohol addiction, his illness does not seem to register with audiences, just as it is overlooked in the movie. Polly McCall, an alcohol and drug therapist in New York City, said many of her patients are appalled that all they hear people talk about is how funny the characters are in "Sideways," which has been nominated for five Academy Awards, including best picture and best adapted screenplay. Ms. McCall argued that there is a connection between all of Miles's imbibing and his considerable troubles, from finding it hard to get up in the morning to his failed relationships and money problems.