BOTTLE SHOCK

Drama

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Steven Spurrier: Alan Rickman, Parisian wine merchant
Dennis Farina: his friend Maurice Cantavale
Bill Pullman: Jim Barrett, owner of the Chateau Montelena vineyard
Chris Pine: his son Bo
Rachael Taylor: the summer intern Sam Clayton
Freddy Rodriguez: Gustavo Brambila, an employee of the Chateau

REVIEW
An interesting story about the development of the American wine industry, the film moves along at a reasonable clip. The acting is somewhat uneven: both Spurrier and Rodriquez are fine but Pullman never seems to get into the role. Some of the shots of the Napa valley are enough to make you want to get up and go see for yourself.

CLASSIFICATION
for brief strong language, some sexual content and a scene of drug use.

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
It’s unlikely Gustavo would have ever seen a $50 bottle of wine much less tasted one: that’s $250 in todays currency.

P.S.
Although based on a true story it seems certain liberties have been taken with the truth. The most egregious example would be the frequent bouts between Jim and his son.