The 12 Best Movies I Saw in 2004
#3 Sideways ****
Paul Giamatti's star is on the rise, and "Sideways" only lifts him up higher. This funny and sad story of men going through depression and a mid-life crisis was so enjoyable to me, mostly due to Giamatti's performance. If he isn't nominated for an Oscar, I will be extremely surprised. The story itself follows two buddies on a road trip in California's wine country. This is one of those movies where everything clicks and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Also, of the movies that will probably get nominated for Best Picture, this is my current favorite. Highly recommended.