Bill Bryson's 1998 book, "A Walk In The Woods", has gotten a humorous adaptation in the Robert Redford starring movie that teams him with Nick Nolte and is directed by Ken Kwapis. Is the film worth your time and money? Click through for my review.
There is a very specific moment in A Walk In The Woods that will remind you of the classic jump scene from Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. This particular scene will go a long way into making you realize the sad missed opportunity to give the two beloved leads a final funny farewell. Redford has been loosely attached to the Bill Bryson non-fiction book for quite a long time and sadly his original dream of having Paul and him have another dive into infamy was lost when the world lost one of it's greatest legends. Redford continues to chug along as one of the real icons of cinema and smartly kept this film going. So the question is did they accomplish making a good film? Well, sorta.
The film's synopsis from the website:
In this new comedy adventure, celebrated travel writer, Bill Bryson (Academy Award winner Robert Redford), instead of retiring to enjoy his loving and beautiful wife (Academy Award winner Emma Thompson), and large and happy family, challenges himself to hike the Appalachian Trail – 2,200 miles of America's most unspoiled, spectacular and rugged countryside from Georgia to Maine. The peace and tranquility he hopes to find, though, is anything but, once he agrees to being accompanied by the only person he can find willing to join him on the trek – his long lost and former friend Katz (Academy Award nominee Nick Nolte), a down-on-his-luck serial philanderer who, after a lifetime of relying on his charm and wits to keep one step ahead of the law – sees the trip as a way to sneak out of paying some debts and sneak into one last adventure before its too late. The trouble is, the two have a completely different definition of the word, "adventure". Now they're about to find out that when you push yourself to the edge, the real fun begins.
There are some issues with the film. Mainly some confusing logical issues. Nolte plays "long lost and former friend Katz" who is on the run from a "warrant issue" back in Des Moines. This becomes an issue when he is almost able to rent a car with no license at all. There are also some questions in how these two old fellas' seem to age slightly with dark beards and completions but their clothes look brand new and fresh throughout. Another weird element is the ease at which Bryson's wife, played by the always fun Emma Thompson, just allows her husband to go on this perilous journey even though showing him very real threats to his survival. Also the Bryson extended family is nicely touched upon in the very beginning of the film and then we never see them again. These logic issues and missed plot elements do make the film not completely enjoyable. I certainly wouldn't call this a must see film. But I will talk about the three elements that make this film a good theater going experience.
The Nolte/Redford Bromance:
Easily the best parts of the film are these two polar opposite men battling the Appalachian Trail together. The quick wit and constant bickering really is quite funny. There is little doubt the jokes hit nicely and though some sequences maybe a bit corny they still work. Nolte especially sells his overweight former alcoholic troubled Katz role to perfection. His crazy hair and deep (very freaking deep) iconic voice hit the right funny notes. It's hard not to just giggle and think back to Nolte's funny real life issues. Redford carries himself, as usual, with a rugged superiority that is deserved and beloved. Though he certainly doesn't reach the power and emotion of his 21st century films like All Is Lost, Spy Game or even the underrated An Unfinished Life. All of those movies showcased his ability to be powerful and rugged while also holding onto this deep seeded will to never give up. This film harps more to a tongue-in-cheek version of that, and even slightly makes you question Bryson saying yes to this project. But Redford still is totally game in his straight man role in the film and it does hit the correct emotions. By far though the best sequences are actually pre-Nolte. The opening of the film honestly has the best laughs of the movie. And the dynamic scene of Emma Thompson and Redford at a friend's funeral easily could have been expanded. This is a solid funny film that will keep your attention.
The two remaining elements are the real reason to see the movie on the big screen.
Lord Huron's music:
The heartwarming melodies of this perfect companion to any wilderness film is honestly the most spot on choice for this movie. The postcards have been a wonderful treat to Lord Huron fans over the years and showcase the love of nature. Ken Kwapis and his team have taken the big hits and given the film a great soundtrack and musical journey in the film itself. There is something magical about experiencing the trail while listening to Lord Huron. It's peaceful and yet full of adventure and story. Overall there is no way you won't enjoy the musical interludes that pop in and out of the film. Of course you'll hear the hits like "Fool For Love", but honestly it's even just the small short moments that are just as effective.
John Bailey, Director of Photography and Carol Littleton, Editor:
The loving couple who have given us some of the finest cinematic moments are easily the best reason to see A Walk in The Woods. John Bailey's epic choices in crane shots are some of the best I've seen in nature films in a long time. He even has the wonderful chance to recreate iconic images and bring them to vivid flowing detail. His ability to capture the greens, yellows, browns and reds of our beautiful American landscape are just perfect. The film may have many holes and issues along the way, but the cinematography isn't one of them.
John is known for greatness like his connection with Redford on Ordinary People, Kasdan's The Big Chill, Wolfgang Peterson's great Eastwood film In The Line of Fire, The late great Harold Ramis and Bill Murray classic Groundhog Day, working with Jack on As Good As it Gets and recently the amazing The Way, Way Back (one of my favorite films of the last decade!). Overall he is just great. But his wife Carol Littleton ain't no slouch either. Whether it's a small film like E.T., her own colloborations with John on projects or the recent The Rum Diary (a film that had issues, it's editing wasn't one of them) there is little question that Littleton is a master. Honestly the way in which these two vets are able to showoff the American landscape is pure bliss. You can tell Bailey and Littleton loved this project as it completely shines on the screen. Add on Lord Huron to the really beautiful pull back scenes and you have one of the year's best visual experiences. No need for explosions or IMAX to make something crisp, real and downright breathtaking.
Overall not a must-see film, but if you want to experience a fun joyous hour and 45 minutes while starring at natural beauty then this is the film for you.
More information can be found on the film's website, here.
