Corked

We saw Corked last night at a preview featuring the writers/directors and producer. The writers grew up in the Sonoma wine business so they had the feel and the resources to put this film together. There were obvious send-ups of local wine makers and wine geeks. The film is a "mockumentary" focusing on four wineries vieing for the "Golden Cluster" award. The wineries are as diverse as can be; the one-man show, the owner as vineyard manager, wine maker, marketing, etc, the snobby winery preferring to sell wine only to those who deserve it, the winery coming under the control of a spoiled, clueless, rich kid, and an LA based winery comprised of two marketing guys who have never visited a vineyard. The production was tight without much wasted energy, though I felt the scenes with the local sheriff could have been cut, not that they weren't well done, but I don't feel they added to the story (though the actress that played the sheriff was the producer's aunt which may have had a bearing on keeping these scenes). Overall, the film was enjoyable, with many laugh out loud scenes and it captured the true feel of the local wine making scene. It played to a packed house, full of locals and wine people that displayed obvious pleasure at seeing the true wine business captured on film.

I happened to see this movie at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival and fell in love. I thought that the plot was charming and hilarious - I laughed so hard during the film I got a workout. I thought that the cinematography was wonderful and I thought that the movie flowed like...well...a good wine. I also found the cast to be wonderful! Everyone brought something to the table, from the tourists, to the town sheriff. Contrary to the previous comment, I found the sheriff to be hilarious and a wonderful add on to this cast. She allowed the viewer to see what "dangers" come with living in Napa Valley. All in all, I give the film two thumbs up and hope that you will all enjoy it as much as I did!

I just saw this movie last night at the Downtown Independent in Los Angeles and it just blew me away. Charming, Witty, and Educational!! I was also amazed at the talented pool of actors that were assembled for this film. It was not what I had expected at all. My Girlfriend made me go to it and now I am glad that she did, not to mention, the filmmakers had a great wine tasting event on the roof... it was first class all the way.

If you liked Sideways, you should definitely see this movie with your favorite bottle of wine.

Here is a review from the Hollywood Reporter:

Film Review: Corked! By Duane Byrge, May 22, 2009 10:15 ET

CANNES -- A satire of "fine wine" has found its time. A mockumentary in the "Spinal Tap" tradition, "Corked!" pops off the pretensions of the Northern California wine community. This aromatic outing distills all the pretentious sniffing and snobbing that accompanies the wine biz.

Drier and frothier than recent mockumentaries made by recognized Hollywood comics, "Corked!" is a pithy delight. It's a brilliant lampoon of winemaking and will go well with either Milk Duds or organic popcorn.

If picked, this TriCoast Worldwide entertainment will entice on the select-site circuit, and perform superbly in festivals. With its ripe subject matter and brainy humor, "Corked!" could pop on cable outlets, from comedy channels to the food-stuff channels.

Written and directed by Ross Clendenen and Paul Hawley, "Corked!" blends the stories of four different, Northern California wineries. Poured out in a dead-on documentary style of interviews from vinters, wine critics, marketers and pickers, it's like to tantalize the funny- bones of all of us who have endured wine-connoisseur talk. Hilarious and smart, it never falls flat, only occasionally bursting its bubble of documentary plausibility. So well-honed is "Corked!" that many viewers are not going to realize it's a fictional entertainment.

Blue ribbons to filmmakers Clendenen and Hawley, and to their talented cast. In particular, plaudits to Todd Norris for his performance as a protector of the grapes, who blasts high- decibel jaguar sounds across the vineyards to startle starlings as well as other unsavory interlopers.

As two knucklehead wine-marketers, one in AA and the other a Bud man, Ben Tolpin and Rob Reinis are uproarious, while Ross Clendenen is perfect as a snooty, effete vineyard mogul.

Tech contributions are a perfect blend: Special praise to cinematographer/editor Miguel Medina for his acidic comic compositions and devilishly dry cuts.