Thomas Haden Church dazzled as an oddball in Sideways. For pure wry, dry humor, Church is the man. He is thus ideally cast as the quiet, spooky, amoral janitor who visits his old love interest.
Elizabeth Shue is best known for her great work in Leaving Las Vegas. She is always outstanding when cast in offbeat roles, where her sly, pretty grin works wonders on less-than-savory men.
So the cast is perfect for a film that is remarkably close in flavor to a blend of Hitchcock and Coen Brothers...scary and bizarre combined! Throughout most of the film, the magic potion works.
It is doubtful that many viewers have seen this little gem, so this reviewer will not be a spoiler. But suffice it to say that from the moment the plot begins, we are gripped in a who-dunnit, gee what-next frame of mind that does not quit. With twists and turns, and bodies here and there, the story is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men.
The only real weakness in the film is the resolution, which occurs in the last ten minutes. Until that point, this voyage into weirdness gets A+!
So sit back and enjoy a real sleeper. You won't be disappointed... perhaps until the very last scenes.
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