Here we are still safely self-isolating, staying in, and
exploring Netflix!
Personally, I was in a wine club for a year or so and the
main takeaway I learned from it is that I don’t care for wine – for any
wine. I can tolerate a Riesling, but
overall, I would rather not. However, I
am impressed by those who can appreciate the subtle differences in wines.
Although, I am just taking their word for it, because I’m not going to drink
it.
Uncorked tells the story of Elijah, a young man who is
working for his friend Raylan in a wine store in Memphis. He loves wine and appreciates
the differences and crafting of each type. He is perfectly happy recommending
the correct wine for customers and is thinking of becoming a master sommelier –
which is defined as a wine steward, but that seems to be underselling the
position. He’s just finished up
successfully flirting with a customer when he hurries off to his ‘day’ job at
his dad’s barbeque restaurant. His father
is assuming he will take over the restaurant one day. He tells his father he is going to school to
become a sommelier, which is met with some mixed reactions – to put it mildly.
Elijah works very hard, balancing working at the restaurant
with his new girlfriend and wine study group (which is a thing for wine school,
apparently). When the opportunity comes
for he and his classmates to go to France to study, Elijah’s mom scrapes
together enough to help get him there. Unfortunately, while he’s there her
cancer returns, and he makes some decisions about dreams and responsibilities –
or at least the perceptions of those dreams and realities.
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of
this movie. I think it should have been a late December theatrical release
after awards-circuit success. Director
Prentice Penny has done quite a bit of TV directing including Insecure, Happy
Endings, and Girlfriends. Here, he crafts a tight little story about family
against beautiful Memphis and Paris settings.
The movie has funny moments but is definitely a drama with some very sad
moments. The cast is excellent and absolutely enhances the story.
Mamoudou Athie may look familiar to you as he has done some
TV as well as appearing in Underwater and Unicorn Store. Here, he gives Elijah just the right not of
determined as he sips and identifies wine while trying to explain his passion
to his father – until he stops. It’s a
fantastic and understated performance.
Courtney B. Vance reminds you that he’s more than just Mr.
Angela Bassett by giving Louis just the right amount of edge as Elijah’s
father. He’s convinced that Elijah needs to take over his business and somehow
manages to attempt to squash that dream without ever drifting into being
outrightly cruel. It’s a difficult balance and he does a great job of remaining
likeable even when saying disagreeable things.
Niecy Nash plays Sylvia, Elijah’s mother. She’s happy to
support his dreams and give him what he needs to help chase them. Again, she
finds just the right balance here of being supportive without over the top.
Sasha Compere plays Tanya who shifts from Elijah's customer, to girlfriend, to his biggest supporter. She's a bright spot.
The rest of the cast is also perfection from Elijah’s
friends and family to his wine study buddies.
Overall, the movie is genuine and touching. Perfect for a quiet night in, which you may
need right now.
8 out of 10 - fruity, earthy notes with great legs and a strong finish - see, wine talk!
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