The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic:
on A WALK IN THE WOODS (2015, 104 minutes, R)
The Quick of It -
Well, it seems the trend to push movies that
have a 'get back to nature' theme is hot in Hollywood. A WALK IN THE WOODS stars Robert Redford
(Bill Bryson) and Nick Nolte (Stephen Katz) as estranged friends coming
together to walk the Appalachian Trail.
Based on the book by Bill Bryson and directed by Ken Kwapis (also known
for THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS and LICENSE TO WED), this one
unfortunately doesn't carry that deeper look into the human condition, to make
you think long and hard after watching.
If nothing, it inspires you to load up and head out on an arduous
hike. Where Reese Witherspoon's WILD
highlighted a woman coming to terms with the lose of her mother, Bryson and
Katz struggle with their silver years. The
story is there and subtly told, but this one is a tired tale that many other films
have reflected on and been more meaningful.
Watching these two very different personalities
clash plays out more like a more grounded friendship than an 'odd couple'
formula, which was refreshing. I will
have to say that the hardest part watching them play older roles is realizing
that they are indeed older actors. As
this generation's old guard in Hollywood transitions out of their careers, I
wonder who is there to take there place.
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