It really feels like I don't post anymore. Damn!
Some hours ago I attended a free preview of the small budget movie. I do like Alan Rickman - who can forget Hans Gruber from Die Hard? - and I hope my brief review won't be biased. Well, I try not to like a movie because of a particular actor/actress, but sometimes one cannot help it. Here we go.
Bottle Shock takes places in 1976 when a english wine store owner, Steven Spurrier, played by Alan Rickman decides to hold a contest to determine the best wine, both french and american. Apparently there have been rumors that the vinyard in California will produce the best wine in years to come. Spurrier does not believe this, which is why he heads to California in search for the best wine. That is the synopsis for the movie.
The characters are easy to love, especially Dennis Farina's Maurice. Though he does not have a lot of screen time. There is also a triangle conflict between two best friends, Bo, the Chateau Montelena's (Californian vineyard) son, and Gustavo, a Mexican working for Bo's father, and the new intern, Sam (a young woman). The triangle has a good promise but fails to live up to its expectations. There seems to be moments that compel the audience to believe that something will happen, maybe a fight between Bo and Gustavo, maybe another complication between the boys and the girl - something - but nothing really. Nevertheless, the film makes up for this with a good cast from Bill Pullman, Bo's struggling and depressed father, Alan Rickman's exquisite serious and dark comedic voice, and Chris Pine, who played Bo.
As my cousin told me, ' even though the movie is predictable, it gives the audience a warm feeling. ' The movie does not try to force the audience to love a certain character, but it is hard not too. If you go see Bottle Shock with the expectations set by wine movie, Sideways, then you will be disappointed. Take the movie for what it is worth. Bottle Shock is not trying to be fancy, explosive and edgy. It does try, and in the end succeed, to be simple and charming at the same time.
Review Grade: 7.5/10
2 comments:
I never said anything about warm feelings, but I heartily endorse this review. It's a predictable film that makes the best of its predictability.
I more or less quoted what u said. That was what you said. I mean it came from memory. If not, then what was it?
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