You don’t need a glass of wine to enjoy “The Napa Boys” — but it might help. This comedy tries to follow in the footsteps of “Sideways,” but unfortunately, it misses the mark.
Many reviews have praised this film, but they often seem more generous than honest. Personally, I felt let down. It’s as if the movie’s creators thought making a sequel would be easy, even though “Sideways” didn’t really need one. Here, we dive into the lives of Miles Jr. and Jack Jr., the sons of the original characters, now comic book creators and wine enthusiasts.
Miles Jr. (played by Armin Weitzman) is struggling with the loss of his family. Meanwhile, Jack Jr. (Nick Corirossi) is ready to have some fun. He drives a “Wine Wagon” and is determined to bring Miles along for an adventure in wine country.
One of the film’s early jokes involves a joke license plate that simply doesn’t land. If you find that funny, you might enjoy this movie. But for many, the humor feels stale and forced.
Sarah Ramos plays a superfan and podcaster who follows the duo as they reconnect with old friends and seek guidance from a mysterious character known as the “Sommelier.” This plot note feels more like a setup than an engaging story.
Among their adventures, they visit a vineyard managed by Mitch (Mike Mitchell). His raw grape juice is humorously described, but a mishap involving Jack Jr. leads to some gross and unfunny moments that leave the audience cringing instead of laughing.
The film seems to aim for humor that many simply won’t appreciate. It weaves in references to pop culture that don’t quite flow together, making it feel disjointed. For example, the casting of familiar actors like Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes does little to enhance the narrative. Instead, their cameos feel tacked on rather than meaningful.
In terms of production, the film suffers with poor editing and pacing. Many scenes drag on longer than necessary, making the story feel aimless and unstructured. This might have been the result of creative choices, but it comes across more as a lack of clarity in direction.
As for the wine references, they often feel misinformed or overly simplistic. It can be frustrating for viewers who appreciate the wine culture to see it portrayed this way. In a 2022 survey by the Wine Market Council, 42% of millennials identified as “wine lovers,” highlighting the growing interest in wine among younger generations. Yet, “The Napa Boys” fails to capture the depth and passion that many in this community feel.
Ultimately, the movie seems to exist on shaky ground, buoyed by connections that allow it to escape the pitfalls of being a midnight film. Unfortunately, it doesn’t try hard enough to stand out in a crowded genre.
Rating: Unrated, with sexual themes and crude humor.
Cast: Armin Weitzman, Nick Corirossi, Sarah Ramos, Jamar Malachi Neighbors, Mike Mitchell, among others.
Directed by Nick Corirossi and written by Corirossi and Armin Weitzman. A Magnolia release with a running time of 1 hour and 32 minutes.
