A WALK IN THE WOODS – The Review

With Labor Day less than a week away, it’s not too late to explore the “great outdoors”, at least at your local multiplex. This past Winter, Reese Witherspoon earned an Oscar nomination in the true life tale of a woman, Cheryl Strayed, who recently hiked the long, arduous Pacific Crest Trail all by herself in the drama WILD. Her journey seemed to be a way of exorcising her own personal demons. This new true life nature hike isn’t quite so somber, but it’s equally daunting. Around the time that Reese was hitting the road (cinema-wise), Robert Redford was also going solo, but on an aquatic voyage (which turned into a fight for survival) in ALL IS LOST. Now he’s on land and on foot at the East Coast near equivalent, the Appalachian Trail. But the Sundance Kid is more than twice Reese’s age. Does he stand a chance there? Well, he’s not alone, though. Joining him is his former co-star from THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, Nick Nolte. And he’s just a few years younger. Can these two screen veterans enjoy and endure this trip as they embark on A WALK IN THE WOODS?

Travel book author Bill Bryson (Redford) seems to be in a bit of a rut. After spending several years in England, he’s returned to the states and settled in New Hampshire with his Brit-born wife Catherine (Emma Thompson). He’s enjoying his golden years with her along their children and grandchildren, but something’s missing. After an awkward TV interview (the host couldn’t be more pompous), he returns home just in time to get the call about another friend’s passing. When he and the missus return home from the funeral, Bill decides to take a stroll. He’s surprised to discover that a nearby wooded area leads to an offshoot of the Appalachian Trail. That’s it! He’s written several books about international destinations, but he’s never really explored his home turf! Before he settles into his rockin’ chair, he’ll walk the road from Georgia to Maine. This idea doesn’t go over well with Catherine and soon she’s printing up internet horror stories of nature (animal attacks, accidents, etc.).  Well at least Bill agrees to get a partner. After several fruitless hours dialing numbers from his old address book, Bill is almost ready to throw in the towel. Then out of the blue he gets a call from Stephen Katz, who heard about his quest through the grapevine. They haven’t kept in touch for thirty years (Katz still owes Bill some money), but they make plans to hike the trail together. When Katz (Nolte) arrives at the local airport, Bill is taken aback by his limping, disheveled appearance. But Katz insists that he’s in fine shape, and soon the two are flying down to the trail’s Georgia starting point. Is there any way that these two AARP members can finish the many months long trek all the way to Maine?

Redford doesn’t seem to be slowing down in what would be most actors’ twilight years (he’s got a another true story Oscar-bait flick out in a couple of months), and here he proves to be just as warm and engaging as ever as the traveling, often befuddled everyman. There’s a confused sadness in his eyes during the film’s early scenes which is wiped clean when the plan for adventure takes hold. Oddly, this “fog” is replaced by an almost child-like sense of curiosity and wonder, so much so, that there’s a “boy-ish” quality to the near eighty year-old. Plus Redford is a more that capable “straight man” to the irascible Nolte who plays Katz with a twinkle in his often bloodshot eyes. Though his traveling partner wants to make his mile quota, Katz wants to take things at his own leisurely pace. Nolte’s sandpaper-tinged voice has evolved almost into a deep croak, much like the great character player James Gammon, with each sentence barely escaping through his thick, bramble beard. He’s one silver lion that’s full of mischief, not malice. Thompson is quite lovable as the voice of reason and sanity who knows that she won’t change her hubby’s mind, no matter how many wild tales of terror she downloads. Her love for her mate wins out over her frustrations, particularly as she “puts on the Brits’ stiff upper-lip” as he heads out. Some great supporting actors pop up in several terrific sequences. The fabulous Nick Offerman inspires a few chuckles as the all-knowing expert pushing the most expensive gear to Bill at the local sporting goods store. Kristen Schaal is also quite funny as the pesky, abrasive fellow hiker on the trail that temporarily joins up with the fellas (she’s a bit too close to her character on TV’s “The Last Man on Earth”, though). And Oscar-winner Mary Steenburgen pops up as the single lady owner/operator of a motel near the trail who brightens up at the sight of Bill. With this and her recent role in LAST VEGAS Ms. S seems to have found her niche playing  mature temptresses (hmm, much like her part in the aforementioned TV sitcom).

Director Ken Kwapis (THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS) gamely tries to resist the urge to turn the film into a sitcom (he’s directed plenty) and, despite the “cutesy” trailers, this isn’t really “Nearly as Grumpy, but Better Looking Old Men”. There are a few clunky comic detours that land with a thud (Katz thinks a plus-sized lady is attractive! Haw! Haw! Oh, and she’s got a big, big beau! Hee! Hee!), but the guys make a pretty good team and their “bonding” sequences never feel forced, as do several bits of slapstick. And then there’s the jaw-droppingly gorgeous, glorious scenery (this will look great on the next wave of hi-res home screens). The R rating is mostly for Katz’s many “F-bombs”, so there’s nothing here to really upset the older folks. In other words, this is a film you can take mom or granny to, and not be bored out of your skull. Hey, it would be fun just to watch Bob and Nick grab coffee. It’s not ground-breaking, cutting edge cinema, it’s relaxing, much like taking A WALK IN THE WOODS, but without the bears and bunions.

3 Out of 5