Let me preface this by saying this is a personal pick for the #1 spot and I fully expect many to query why a film about wine is better than any of these. Alexander Payne is probably one of the finest active directors and for me 2004's Sideways is his finest work. Being a fly-on-the-wall to listen in on friends Miles and Jack's conversations is like witnessing a top-class improvisational jazz band tune up (suitably several smooth jazz instrumentals compose the movie's soundtrack). The dialogue is so flowing and effective that it's impossible not to fall in love with this film. Alexander Payne's films are nearly all linked by their lack of intricate plot (though I haven't yet had chance to see Nebraska) and generally tend to focus on character development and dialogue. This is no truer than in Sideways which just follows the forty-something duo on their getaway trip to Northern California's expansive vineyards. Though it turns out to be far from relaxing, things certainly don't get serious enough for anyone to end up dead.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
