Iffy for 14+
Comedy about wine rivalry blends fun, heart.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this true story of a 1976 wine contest between French and U.S. wine-makers isn't likely to hold much interest for kids. The opening sequence sets up the youthful "counter-culture" lifestyle of the era, complete with various shots of drug use, alcohol, etc. A love scene between two main characters includes partial nudity and some passionate foreplay but is generally tame by current standards. Some relatively mild swearing is sprinkled throughout and, of course, lots of wine flows.
- Families can talk about the father-son relationship at the core of the movie. What does Bo do to earn his father's respect? How do the filmmakers show the changes in this important relationship? What does this movie have in common with other films that tell the story of an underdog going up against a strong opponent? Who do you think its target audience is?
What to watch for
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Violence: Several father-son boxing matches are used to dispel real anger, including one powerful roundhouse blow. A truck driver receives one punch.
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Sex: Most of the sexuality is confined to one scene that includes passionate kissing as prelude to sex, a couple who begin undressing, post-sexual partial nudity, and a flash of breasts.
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Language: Infrequent cursing includes "goddamn," "bullsh--t," "f--k you," "a--hole," "screw," "bitch," and "s--t."
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Consumerism: Wineries and brand names play significant roles (Chateau Montelena, Gallo, Buena Vista, etc.). Other products seen or referred to include American Airlines, TWA, Kentucky Colonel.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Wine drinking figures prominently throughout, usually within the accepted standards of responsible behavior. Opening sequence with marijuana use is used to place the film in the 1970s. Some beer drinking, some drunkenness in bar, smoking on two occasions.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Straight up Bottle Shock - Not Sideways by huffmama
What an enjoyable and delightful movie. My friend Debie and I saw it on on whim one Saturday night at the Angelica Theater in Dallas, Texas. Not knowing anything about the movie or what to expect we were pleasantly suprised and delighted with Bottle Shock. Neither one of us are wine snobs - I 'm a beer girl myself - and at first were prepaired for another take on the movie Sideways and it is. However, this movie is better ! We came out of the theater smiling and very glad that we stumbled in to see it. Well done. Mary H.
4
Cute movie - not terribly factual - READ THE BOOK by RhoneFan
This is dramatization of one aspect of the story toldi n George M. Tabor's terrific book, "The Judgement of Paris" about the famous 1976 blind tasting in Paris when California Chardonnay and Cabernet beat some very fine French wines. It isn't really based on the book, just follows the fortunes of one family (Barrett) the makers of Chateau Montelena. While I'm sure there are many true-to-life elements to the family description and I'll bet there was plenty of boxing and sex happening up there, it's not a very complete telling.
See the movie for a nice story, mild drama, good acting, beautiful cinematography and a slice of a very interesting story. Then, if you enjoy wine, read the book, which combines a wonderful history of modern California wine-making and several families important to that history with a really exciting story about how one man's persistence led to a tasting that rocked the wine world.
5
"Bottle Shock" makes "Sideways" look backwards by pwbryan52@hotmail.com by pwbryan52
I was expecting to enjoy this film, the previews were fun to watch. I was not expecting "Bottle Shock" to be subtle, brilliant, deeply touching, beautiful, so rich in human behavior, and fun.
Randall Miller will be present at the oscars and probably as a long shot, but he deserves an oscar for something; Director, Writer, Editor or Best Film will do, any or all would be fine with me.
Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, Bill Pullman, Rachael Taylor, Freddy Rodriguez and Dennis Farina are all welcome to oscars too!
This is really ensemble acting at its best, even the smallest of parts are beautifully drawn. (The man with the bowl of guacamole was perfect. His simplicity and humility are heart rending.)
The story is all the more enjoyable because it is true. Great film making.
by pwbryan52@hotmail.com
5
You'll want a nice glass of a delcious wine after BottleShock... by Big.Screen.Fan
I was a student up at Sonoma State in 1976 during the same time Napa Valley had some big wineries and smaller wine growers waiting for the market to start taking notice of their quality California wines Ironically, it came in the form of a British wine snob looking to boost sales for his Parisian wine shop. A true story, Bottle Shock makes for a wonderful reminder of the wide-open, less crowded Napa Valley of the mid-1970's where Alan Rickman's delightful wine snob character, establishes a blind tasting competition in France comparing French and California wines. With today's mortgage fall-out, it is easy to relate to actor Bill Pullman's angry & shamed character in deep financial debt for everything he has put into his vineyard. If you like wine, a good solid piece of relatively recent California history, humor, some soul searching ("did I do the right thing," a great cast of players, and beautiful California photography this is a MUST SEE MOVIE!
4
Someone Pass me the Freedom Fries Please... by Trojanchick
This movie was a little funny, a little educational, a little drama and a whole-lotta charming! For anyone interested in wine culture, just like drinkning good wine, or are damn proud to be an American this is an interesting movie that sheds some factual light on the French wine insdustry and how those snobs got taken day by a little state I like to call Cali! The move is unique, and story driven. Would have preferred to seen the characters developed a bit more, but the message came across loud and clear. "Bottle Shock" is well worth the price of admission. TWO THUMBS UP IN A CIRCLE
5
Bottle Shock _ XXXXX Excellent ! by denfer
Napa Valley ... Fine Wine ... 1976 ... Califorina wines matriculate to the world stage going head-to-head with fine French Wine ... (sort-of-romantic) coming-of-age stories based on some of the actual occurances ... with a bit of the free-loving of the 70's thrown in for good measure.
You come out with a pleasant smile ... a very good flick !!!
4
Very Enjoyable by Optimism
Enjoyed this true-story underdog movie. Nicely acted, especially Bill Pullman and the wine-snob.
Informative, upbeat. You'll be glad you went. (' Sure would have liked to taste that Chardonay!)
5
Great Movie! by lulumom
I saw this movie at a screening last night. It was terrific! It was witty, interesting, inspiring and beautifully photographed! Alan Rickman was, as always, divine. It was a vitner's take on the American Dream.
4
Nice to have an another version of Sideways by Gioia99
Sideways was about two disfunctional guys and their hookups preaching about Pinot Noir. I loved it .. fresh and new at the time. This is about mostly together people and their hookups preaching about Chardonnay and Cabernet. It's not fresh, but the characters are good enough to make it very enjoyable. After each movie, our foursome went out and bought a bottle of wine. Nice evenings. Who would have thought you could make movies about growing and making wine in California.
5
Great movie! by seneb
This was an awesome movie! The ratings currently ("so-so") don't do it justice. The acting is good, the storyline is engaging, it's funny and you learn a little along the way. The cinematography is astounding, and the music is great. It's a very engaging move, very well done. Those who didn't like it didn't say why. Those who did like it go on and on about it. Hmmm.