A Walk in the Woods

Bill Bryson is a national treasure. His books are so pleasant to read. This book takes us on a natural joyride. This is the kind of thing that would attract Robert Redford, and it did. Redford plays the middle aged Bryson who, after attending the funeral of a friend his age, decides to hike the Appalachian Trail, a hiking trip of over 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine, much to the chagrin of his wife. He joins up with the only guy who is willing to accompany him, an overweight, recovering alcoholic played by Nick Nolte. Bryson/Redford has no respect for this guy. The complaining starts after they've gone about a hundred years. As time goes along, there is a story to tell and it is charming. Unfortunately, the good buddies thing, while entertaining, has been done so many times. Nolte is a really interesting character, while Redford is stiff and pretty boring. It's very predictable. The scenery is great and we get a sense of what is involved in all of this. Not a bad movie. It's just a little lacking in oomph.

Based on the 1998 book/memoir of the same name by Bill Bryson, 'A Walk in the Woods' is a sweet, simple & uncomplicated film, that turns out to be nice fun. Its also supremely well-acted, although that barely comes as a surprise, since the performers on-screen are legends.

'A Walk in the Woods' Synopsis: After spending two decades in England, Bill Bryson returns to the U.S., where he decides the best way to connect with his homeland is to hike the Appalachian Trail with one of his oldest friends.

'A Walk in the Woods' is sweet look at age, adventure & friendship. Watching the senior protagonists go on a trip in the wilderness, offers moments of warmth & subtle humour. However, the film plays it safe at all times & hence it turns out be a good watch, but nothing memorable. Its harmless, but never remarkable.

Bill Holderman & Michael Arndt's Screenplay is nicely done. although its too simple in totality. Ken Kwapis's Direction is passable. Cinematography captures the wilderness well. Editing is sharp. Nathan Larson's Score is super.

Performance-Wise: Robert Redford & Nick Nolte are delightful. They create a fabulous on-screen camaraderie & carry the film on their ever-reliable shoulders. Emma Thompson shines in a brief role. Mary Steenburgen, however, is tiresomely typecast.

On the whole, 'A Walk in the Woods' is worth a watch.

I enjoyed this film. No politics, no pandering, just light humor involving two old codgers doing something really stupid. It's a good and relaxing watch with a strong cast led by Redford and Nolte.

I went to see this movie today, having read the original book by Bill Bryson and subsequently listened to a hilarious 'audio book' version narrated by Kerry Shale.

My first comment is that Robert Redford is just too old, way too old, for the part. By my estimate, Bill Bryson was less than 50 when he walked the trail with Katz, whereas Redford is 78. It made a big and substantial difference to my enjoyment of the movie, since a lot of the humour in the book comes from the fact that it's two middle-aged slightly overweight guys who start the walk, not two old men.

Furthermore, I found Emma Thompson's portrayal of Catherine Bryson simply irritating and humourless. Like Robert Redford, I felt she just turned up and did her lines.

Many of the best anecdotes from the book appear in the movie, and yet somehow none is anything like as funny as in the book/audio book. For example, the overweight nasal-sounding Mary Ellen segment just isn't as funny in the movie not least because the actress playing Mary Ellen is not overweight and therefore her jibe at Katz for being overweight misses the joke.

Overall, the movie was light and amusing in places, but bad casting and uncommitted acting makes it just average and with a heavy heart I rate it just 6/10. And trust me, I went in with fairly low expectations yet hoping for a good laugh. It was worse than I expected and not as funny as I'd hoped.

Caught a screening of this movie in Salt Lake City. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy put it on. What a fun movie, Nolte is great in it!! I was quite surprised on how funny he was. Redford and Nolte make a good team. About time a Bryson book got up on the big screen. I wonder how much of an increase in foot traffic there will be on the AT after this movie gets released. I'm sure next summer will be quite a bit busier. If a movie makes me want to go to the location/s it takes place I count that as a great movie. If you are a fan of the book, actors, hiking, nature or have hiked the AT you should enjoy this one. Well worth the visit to the cinema.