Bottle Shock Synopsis
Jim Barrett (Bill Pullman, Independence Day) is a down on his luck vineyard owner, whose last few seasons trying to make a decent Chardonnay, haven't bore any fruit, so to speak. While he is slowly signing his property away to get more bank loans to stay afloat, he isn't getting anywhere, no thanks to his uninterested son, Bo (Chris Pine, of the upcoming Star Trek film), a laid back, party loving surfer dude.
When British oenologist Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman), owner of a Parisian boutique specializing in world wines, decides to pit the famed invicible French wines against unknown foreign product, he makes the trip out to the California hills, in order to locate worthy competition in his contest. As he slowly makes his way through the various locations and wine products, Spurrier raises the local hopes that their brands might get some much needed recognition on the global scale.
While the quest for the perfect Chardonnay continues, Jim and Bo are at odds as to the future of the vineyard, as well as Bo's ambitions in life, if any. In what appears to be a family tradition, both father and son work out such arguments in a makeshift boxing ring, letting their anger and frustration out on each other.
Soon Spurrier returns to France, with an assortment of wine from the aformentioned locales, and submits them for his "Judgment of Paris" competition, to be judged by the highest French wine experts. The media gets wind of this event, and brings to light the brilliant potential of California, and thereby the world at large, as equally worthy wine producers, at par with famed French product.
The often hilarious events leading up to the now famous real life competition, make the basis of Bottle Shock, a modest dramedy about the little vineyard that could.
Bottle Shock Overall Analysis
The best small budget movies are always the ones based on real-life events, especially inspired ones about underdogs who make their mark in the world. In this case, the 1976 Jugement de Paris event organized by Spurrier, managed to bring to light the quality product from California, which in turn opened the door for other countries to showcase their equally worthy product, after decades of French wine supremacy.
The vineyard at the centre of this story, Chateau Montelena, still operates today, and still makes high quality vintage wine. The story of how it almost went under, and almost lost its inventory on its award winning year, makes for a rollercoaster of pleasant emotions, with Jim Barrett's small business turning out to be the Rocky Balboa of chardonnay wines, in the late summer of 1976.
While most of the varied cast are memorable in their individual roles, praise must be given to a select few: Alan Rickman portrays Steven Spurrier with panache, as the ever-stereotypical wine snob looking for a way to increase business in his small specialty wine shop. Director/writer Randall Miller gives Rickman great lines, without making him a villain in any way, shape or form.
Up and coming actor Chris Pine also shiens as Bo Barrett, the surfer dude whose pride is bruised more than once during the story. Though his character could easily have been a throwaway role in the hands of a lesser thespian, Pine makes the Bo role his from the getgo, turning the irresponsible slacker into an endearing presence.
Some other actors of note include Freddy Rodriguez (TV's Six Feet Under) as erudite wine maker Gustavo Brambila (whose taste buds are often put to the test in this film), and Rachael Taylor (Transformers) as a summer intern cum love interest for both Bo and Gustavo.
Bill Pullman underplays the role of Jim (the poor man hasn't managed a suitable leading role since Spaceballs), and doesn't do the character justice. Pullman has yet to find a character he can really work with, without seeming uncomfortable in front of the camera.
Bottle Shock is the kind of precious little film that makes the audience at home watching the DVD, want to pause the film in order to locate a good bottle and glass of a tasty vintage, in the spirit of truly celebrating a good wine, and the incredible effort and art behind hte making of such. Like a fine bottle, this movie is to be savoured again and again.
8.5 out of 10, for being an incredibly enjoyable underdog tale, with a well rounded cast.
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