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

Reviewed By: Ashley Hunking (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada) 

"Wine is sunlight held together by water"... "A lullaby on my tongue." The aroma of Bottle Shock made me leave the theater with a grin on my face. Bottle Shock is cinematic poetry, a beautiful story that reminds audiences we go to the theater not just for the big screen and special effects but also to be told a good story. Director Randall Miller co-wrote Bottle Shock with his wife (Jody Savin) and together they weave a beautiful narrative suitable for all audiences, not just wine snobs, however wine gurus will love this movie. With a dynamic cast and beautiful landscapes Miller succeeds in creating art that entertains. On the other hand, the pace lulls along rather slowly at times, which makes a two-hour movie long. Bottle Shock may evoke restlessness in some audiences.

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

Bottle Shock has a considerable cast of many talented actors. Alan Rickman is hilarious as Steve Spurrier with his dry British humour and perfect execution of comedy. Jim asks him, "Why do I hate you?" Rickman replies in his thick British accent "because you 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 of struggle. Pullman has that "kind eyes" look, making his performance particularly dynamic. Rachael Taylor (Transformers) is stunning on the big screen and the perfect compliment as Pine's love interest. It's uncanny how much Chris Pine looks like Brad Pitt from Legends of the Fall with 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 Farina plays an American friend of Rickman who lives in France. His slick 70's grey tie-less suit ensemble sets the date and time of the film to the letter.

This ensemble cast weaves together a story much like a good chardonnay on the palette; all its flavours and textures blend together into a potent experience and leaves you a little giddy for having enjoyed the encounter a little too much.