Bromantic comedies

“Sideways” (2004)

The story: Two pals—a womanizer (Thomas Haden Church) about to get hitched, and a bitter sad sack (Paul Giamatti)—take a weekend trip to northern California's wine country, where they pair off with two local women (Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh).

Bromance rating: 4. There’s plenty of male bonding involving guys who love to get hammered--but on a bottle of fine pinot noir, not on a can of cheap beer.

Was it successful?: Not only does "Sideways" tackle the male psyche with the same squirm-inducing candor as "Modern Romance," but it's also a leisurely paced celebration of a man's ability to reach his peak at middle age. For those with discriminating taste, the film offers a feast of riches, something its solid box-office take of over $70 million can attest to.