Film: Bottle Shock
Director: Randall Miller
Studio: Alliance Films
Principle Actors: Chris Pine, Alan Rickman, andBill Pullman
Length of Feature: 110minutes
Release Date: August 6, 2008.
Rating: PG-13 for language 

Reviewed By: Ashley Hunking (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada) 

"Wine issunlight held together by water"... "A lullabyon my tongue." The aroma of Bottle Shock mademe leave the theater with a grin on my face. Bottle Shock is cinematic poetry, a beautiful story that remindsaudiences we go to the theater not just for the big screen and special effectsbut also to be told a good story. Director Randall Miller co-wrote Bottle Shock with his wife (Jody Savin) and together they weave a beautifulnarrative suitable for all audiences, not just wine snobs, however wine guruswill love this movie. With a dynamic cast and beautiful landscapes Millersucceeds in creating art that entertains. On the other hand, the pace lullsalong rather slowly at times, which makes a two-hour movie long. Bottle Shock may evoke restlessness insome audiences.

Based on atrue story, Bottle Shock tells thestory of how a little Californian winery in 1976 changed the course of Americanhistory by putting its name on the roster with great French wines. Bottle Shock is a coming of age storyabout a father and son whose relationship is in turmoil because Bo (Chris Pine)is happy partying, surfing and sleeping with women rather than making somethingof his life. Bo's father Jim (Bill Pullman) is a wine alchemist who attempts tocreate the perfect chardonnay. Burdened by creditors, employees to pay, and ason that is aimlessly living life, Jim is pressed to give up his endeavors andtake back his old office job. Meanwhile, in France, wine shop owner Steve Spurrier (AlanRickman) is driven to prove the superiority of the French secret. Little dothese two men know that their lives will cross; What emerges is what we know astoday's global wine culture.

Bottle Shock hasa considerable cast of many talented actors. Alan Rickman is hilarious as SteveSpurrier with his dry British humour and perfect execution of comedy. Jim askshim, "Why do I hate you?" Rickman replies in his thick British accent "becauseyou think I'm an asshole. But I'm actually not an asshole, I'm just British."Bill Pullman creates an excellent portrayal of a proud man in the depths ofstruggle. Pullman has that "kind eyes" look, making hisperformance particularly dynamic. Rachael Taylor (Transformers) is stunning on the big screen and the perfectcompliment as Pine's love interest. It's uncanny how much Chris Pine looks likeBrad Pitt from Legends of the Fallwith his uncombed sun bleached hippy hair. Because the movie is set in 1976,the costume and design shows off the best aspects of the era. Dennis Farinaplays an American friend of Rickman who lives in France. His slick 70's grey tie-less suitensemble sets the date and time of the film to the letter.

This ensemble cast weaves together astory much like a good chardonnay on the palette; all its flavours and texturesblend together into a potent experience and leaves you a little giddy forhaving enjoyed the encounter a little too much.