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!

As I was screening this movie, I kept thinking that Chris Pine looked like a young Brad Pitt. This up-and-coming young thespian gave a very good performance in the movie. I can't wait to see him as Captain Kirk in J.J. Abrams' upcoming Star Trek movie (May 8 2009). I had little-to-no expectations going in to screen Bottle Shock - so, I was VERY pleasantly surprised by how good this 106-minute independent movie is. Set in the 70s - a tight script plus a formidable laid-back cast and inspired by true events that changed the wine industry, Bottle Shock possess a leisurely well-paced full body mellow flavorful script and a big taste that lingers very well in our minds after the movie has ended. I love underdog stories - this movie is so uplifting that you will walk away wishing you've tasted all those wine! Bottle Shock is an example why it is unnecessary to have big budget, car-chases, huge explosions, CGI, etc. to jazz up a movie. A big applause to the excellent cast.

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 [email protected]

I saw "Bottle Shock" at the Seattle International Film festival last month and loved it. it's definitely worth checking out if you like character-driven comedies like "Sideways" and "Little Miss Sunshine". It's got a great ensemble cast including Alan Rickman (who steals the movie), Bill Pullman, who gives a memorable performance as an aspiring wine maker, Rachel Taylor (the hot chick from TRANSFORMERS), Freddie Rodriguez, and Eliza Dukshu It's got a lot of heart and I liked it A LOT more than I was expecting to. It's the type of movie that stays with you and when you think about it makes you feel good. Also made me want to go to wine country...going to plan a trip with my girlfriend soon! Glad to see the critics are giving it positive reviews. Give this one a chance!

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.