Bottle Shock User Reviews

Rickman stunning as always. Pullman a bit stiff. The rest of the cast and dialogue are hit and miss. A big fan of the actual historic event, I found a bit too much dramatic license being taken in Hollywooding it up. For the straight facts, though at times a bit text book like, read the actual account and lots of great insight and research in the book "The Judgment of Paris" by the Times correspondent present at the tasting, George Taber. Overall, I highly enjoyed.

08/18/2008, 2:14 am

All in all a delightful little film with warm tones of humor and just the right sharpness of wit to create a delicate yet full flavored cinematic experience that pleases the emotional palate and simultaneously satisfies the intellect. Lovingly melds the rough-hewn origins of California's viticulture, the polished formality of Continental savoir faire and straight ahead Milwaukee persistence into a convincing dramedy that resonates with the ring of truth.A bit long and somewhat soft in the middle, but not so much as todetract from the pleasure of the viewing, Bottle Shock is an excellent accompaniment to a dinner alfresco at one of Manhattan's many Upper West Side outdoor café options.

08/16/2008, 3:50 pm

This was a funny and heartwarming film. And the perfect date movie! The cast came through. I especially really liked Rickman and Dushku's performances. Beautiful cinematography. A great way to have a lazy August getaway without having to take the vacation time :).

08/14/2008, 4:07 am

BOTTLE SHOCK, the fun new wine film, tells the story of how California wines beat the French at an infamous tasting competition in Paris in 1976. Sonoma-based producers Brenda and Marc Lhormer organized the filming in Sonoma and Napa last summer, and BOTTLE SHOCK now premieres in San Francisco on Wed, Aug 6.Crushpad is recreating a not-to-be-missed rendition of the Paris Tasting, offering guests the chance to taste great California and French wines side by side. Brenda and Marc will be on hand, as well as two of the real people portrayed in the film, Bo Barrett (winemaker/owner at Chateau Montelena) along with his super-star winemaking wife Heidi Barrett, and Gustavo Brambila, first mexican-american to graduate from UC Davis with a wine degree, friend of Bo's and assistant to Mike Grgich, the winemaker who made the historic 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that shocked the French.In a fun twist of fate, a wealthy French businessman has just announced plans to acquire ownership of Chateau Montelena, 32 years after the rag-tag kids from the sticks in Napa Valley beat the French at their own game.Screening of BOTTLE SHOCK is included, at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, with transportation from Crushpad (both ways) provided.

08/13/2008, 6:23 am

I thought this movie was excellent, and the cirtics agree with me! I've also heard a little bit of bashing, but it just goes to show, this movie is in a different catergory than youre average thrown together hollywood piece of crap. This movie is thoughful, inspiring, beautifuly shot and acted. I'm with Ebert; this movie is about people who love and have passion for their work and it's uplifting and entertaining. I love it!

08/12/2008, 4:57 pm

If you liked "Sideways" you'll like "Bottle Shock." If you have ever been in the Napa Valley, or would like to be, that adds to the fun. Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman and other veteran actors give the movie legs. If you are tired of the Big Hollywood "blast" movies see "Bottle Shock" for a great evening out.

08/11/2008, 3:38 pm

this is a light weight - really not a good script but per usual Rickman is wonderful -

08/11/2008, 1:55 am

Great locations, Bad acting, bad directing, bad writing, boring movie 1 star

08/08/2008, 5:31 pm