A Walk in the Woods, 2015.
Directed by Ken Kwapis.
Starring Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson, Kristen Schaal and Mary Steenburgen.
SYNOPSIS:
A semi-retired celebrated travel writer attempts the Appalachian Trail with an old travelling companion.
Looking back at Ken Kwapis’ back catalogue, one gets the impression that he’s definitely well-suited in human comedy-dramas of affluent, middle-class Americans. Kwapis’ film style is greatly utilized here more than in its subject matter; it’s essentially a two-hander piece between Robert Redford’s Bill Bryson, the travelling writer, and his old companion Katz (Nick Nolte). The set ups these characters find themselves in are akin to the sitcom aesthetics Kwapis is also used to working in, with simplistic two-shot camera compositions. In short, Kwapis fans shan’t be disappointed.
Further strengths lie in the on-screen chemistry between Redford and Nolte as they portray such polar opposite characters; Bryson is a sarcastic cynic but has his life in order, whereas Katz is a benevolent recovering alcoholic who still remains in his youthful days. Their contrasts can appear like caricatures, but their acting ability, charm, and on-screen chemistry binds the film together.
This pleasantly shot and scripted film takes the Appalachian Trail as, undoubtedly, a metaphor for both the duo and their individual lives with the inevitability of age, retirement, and death (all conveyed with a warm Sunday-afternoon feeling). The nuanced discussions between the two on their past adventures, their current successes, and their future endeavors ensure these themes remain light, and rather touching. Furthermore, their random encounters along their hiking narrative reflect the types of people one does in life from the efficient and helpful, to the obnoxious – all purposefully youthful. And this reflection between the youth and the elderly is always in its visuals to reflect the inevitable. The only quips made against the inexperienced travelers are towards their ill-advised equipment. In short, the film’s strength is primarily in its visuals and simplistic narrative structure to convey such themes of life.
If there are any cons to this film, it would be the questionable portrayal of women. Bryson’s wife Cathy (Emma Thompson) serves as a minor obstacle in the film’s opening act, and the only obnoxious character they encounter along their trail is Mary (Kristen Schaal) who talks endlessly, insists she is always right, and everyone else is wrong and boring. Other women they encounter serve only as objects of desire. However, as this reviewer hasn’t read Bryson’s original memoirs, it’s uncertain how much is screenwriter Michael Arndt’s (Toy Story 3, Little Miss Sunshine, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) creative license, the novels own exaggeration, or both. This is, honestly, a minor nitpick as it’s not done with malevolence.
A Walk in the Woods is Wild meets The Odd Couple-lite that tackles major moral and mortal issues with nuance, warmth, and without pretension. This movie clearly aimed at an older audience will delight those looking for a light hiking movie with simple set pieces and a few chuckles. What the film lacks in deep explorative issues clearly makes up for it in its pleasant delivery.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★
Matthew Lee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=8k_v0cVxqEY
Originally published August 25, 2015. Updated April 13, 2018.
