Sideways (2004)

A marvelous small film from Fox Searchlight, "Sideways" features the excellent Paul Giamatti (American Splendor) in a Woody-Allenish role as a nebbish would-be writer whose best friend is an egotistical, lysing, womanizing minor actor.  Writer takes actor for a pre-wedding trip into the Central California wine country, and to say much more would spoil the film.  This is a quiet work, revealing character in layers.  It is bawdy, heartbreaking, hysterical, and totally worthwhile.  In the Hero's Journey, it is largely Road of Trials, with the central challenge being to make a small step toward integration and owning his own spirit.  Wonderful, delicate stuff.  I give it an "A."