“If anyone orders Merlot, I am leaving. I am not drinking fucking Merlot!” Alexander Payne's 2004 buddy movie about two guys in the midst of a mid-life wake-up call brought something completely new to the cinema: wine geek-chic. In Paul Giamatti's perfect role, we follow the heartbroken, frumpy, wine fanatic Miles as he takes groom-to-be and past-prime party boy Jack (another spot-on part embodied by Thomas Haden Church) on a bachelor trip to wine country. Not exactly Jack's cup of cabernet, he's more interested in getting laid—while Miles struggles to corral his friend and his own feelings of life's disappointments. And then there's the bottle of '61 Cheval Blanc. Get there an hour early for a pre-screening reception with appetizers and, of course, the libation of the evening.
Thu., Aug. 15, 7 p.m., 2013
