Sideways (film review)

Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church embark on a road trip through southern California, in search of good wine and one last carnal embrace before Church's character gets married. The wine tasting scenes and discussions are great, so much that I paused the DVD and poured myself a glass. Both characters are somewhat chalk and cheese friends, a bit like the mismatched cop films, but it works wonderfully well in Sideways. Bit surprised, and miffed, that Church was nominated for an Oscar and not Giamatti. A smart, funny and poignant film that is best watched with a good bottle of wine. 8/10

The Christmas Candle (film review)

It's refreshing to have a Christian film that is not afraid to wear its heart on its sleeves. There are not many about in this secular age. The Christmas Candle is a period drama that deals with the nature of faith, tradition, hope and miracles in an intelligent and mature way but without getting too bogged down in theology or trite piety. The performances are all very good, although Susan Boyle does not seem comfortable in her acting role. Hans Matheson and Samantha Barks are the stand outs, giving the film a much needed presence and chemistry. Britain seems to be the master of period dramas, and although The Christmas Candle does not quite excel in this area it is still a nice and uplifting film.