'A WALK IN THE WOODS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
A biographical comedy flick; based on the 1998 memoir, by travel writer Bill Bryson. The film tells of Bryson's ambitious attempt, to walk the Appalachian Trail; with an old friend, named Stephen Katz. The movie stars Robert Redford as Bryson, and Nick Nolte as Katz. Redford also co-produced the film, and Ken Kwapis directed it. The screenplay was written by Michael Arndt and Bill Holderman; the movie also features Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen, Kristen Schaal and Nick Offerman (in supporting roles). I enjoyed the film; quite a bit more, than I expected to.
Bill Bryson (Redford) was a popular travel writer; who spent two decades living in Britain, and then returned home to New Hampshire. Instead of writing more books, or retiring to live happily with his family, Bill decided to make an adventurous hike of the Appalachian Trail (in his 60s). His wife, Catherine (Thompson), worried of the dangers of him traveling the trail alone; so she insisted he ask for company. So Bill asked many of his old friends, to accompany him on his quest. His old buddy, Stephen Katz (Nolte), responded to his request. The film tells of their (often humorous) journey together.
The movie is definitely entertaining, and funny; although a little bit unbelievable, in places. It's supposedly all based on real events, but I think the filmmakers put a (slightly) 'Hollywood spin' on things. Even so, I expected the movie to be a lot cheesier than it actually is (from seeing the ads for it). Redford and Nolte both give good performances; and they at least make their characters seem genuine, and real. There's a decent amount of humor, and some effective drama, in the film, as well. I recommend it.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/j9uf6E4pnlw
A biographical comedy flick; based on the 1998 memoir, by travel writer Bill Bryson. The film tells of Bryson's ambitious attempt, to walk the Appalachian Trail; with an old friend, named Stephen Katz. The movie stars Robert Redford as Bryson, and Nick Nolte as Katz. Redford also co-produced the film, and Ken Kwapis directed it. The screenplay was written by Michael Arndt and Bill Holderman; the movie also features Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen, Kristen Schaal and Nick Offerman (in supporting roles). I enjoyed the film; quite a bit more, than I expected to.
Bill Bryson (Redford) was a popular travel writer; who spent two decades living in Britain, and then returned home to New Hampshire. Instead of writing more books, or retiring to live happily with his family, Bill decided to make an adventurous hike of the Appalachian Trail (in his 60s). His wife, Catherine (Thompson), worried of the dangers of him traveling the trail alone; so she insisted he ask for company. So Bill asked many of his old friends, to accompany him on his quest. His old buddy, Stephen Katz (Nolte), responded to his request. The film tells of their (often humorous) journey together.
The movie is definitely entertaining, and funny; although a little bit unbelievable, in places. It's supposedly all based on real events, but I think the filmmakers put a (slightly) 'Hollywood spin' on things. Even so, I expected the movie to be a lot cheesier than it actually is (from seeing the ads for it). Redford and Nolte both give good performances; and they at least make their characters seem genuine, and real. There's a decent amount of humor, and some effective drama, in the film, as well. I recommend it.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/j9uf6E4pnlw