A Walk In The Woods

Review By: John Delia

Just released, the movie A Walk in the Woods showcases the fine acting of Robert Redford and Nick Nolte. Providing a lot of laughs mixed with drama the “never-ending” journey of their characters make for good entertainment. The film reminds me of The Bucket List, with good measure of last year’s Wild and even a little of Grumpy Old Men. While the story’s a bit wacky, it’s very amusing to see the two consummate actors up on the big screen in a comedy together.

Bill Bryson (Robert Redford) is a very popular travel writer in his 70’s who gets the bright idea of walking the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200 mile jaunt from Georgia to Maine.  Not to write another book; however, just to show he can still do something that challenging.  His wife Catherine (Emma Thompson) feels it’s too much for him, but he avoids the conversation sending out a challenge to all his friends to go with him.

Not getting a lot of replies, other than some implied urging that he’s crazy, Bill decides to go it alone.  Just as the time nears to leave, he receives a call to pick up his old confidant Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte) at the airport.  Shocked that he would reply, but having company on the several month long trip overshadows the disagreements they had in the past. Or so he thinks.

The ordinary story gets a boost from the two fine actors and director Ken Kwapis (He’s Just Not That Into You).  Kwapis builds a good beginning showing the aged Bryson wanting to take time away from his hum drum life and show that he still has the ability to do something challenging before he dies. He shows the insanity of it all through his wife’s offhanded comments, his son’s pleading and the actual 2,200 mile trip that 2000 hardy people a year try and only 10% complete.

Robert Redford and Nick Nolte put on a good show together.  The chemistry between the two long time actors is terrific and their stellar acting skills haven’t changed a bit.  Playing opposites in personalities with a good deal disagreement, the two attempt to get along. Things changed when they parted ways following a European trip and their separation has lasted a long time. But, in the midst of all the waking, camping and shenanigans the two find the meaning of friendship. Nolte does look a little worse for wear as you can see the aging behind the beard yet Redford certainly wears his years well although his boney body does show through.

Sure there’s a lot of silly things going on in the film with Nolte’s character trying to get Beulah (Susan McPhail) a lady at the Laundromat into bed, Mary Ellen (Kristen Schaal) a female hiker that won’t let Bill and Stephen get a word in edgewise and Bill trying to avoid a mistake with Jeannie (Mary Steenburgen) a motel owner who’s as horny as her 80-year-old mother.  And there’s a lot more, but that’s what makes the film fun to watch. Cinematography during the hiking gets spectacular with awesome views of the mountain trails and streams and the trails are very inviting in spite of the hazards.

The film should be on the top of your list if you like a good comedy that has a nice payoff showing a good meaning of friendship.  A Walk in the Woods has been rated R by the MPAA for language and some sexual references so be sure to stick the kids in a child friendly film with a responsible teen or get a babysitter, the movie’s worth it.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A pleasant comedy for a couple’s night out. (B)