A Walk in the Woods (2015)

 
Genre: Biographical / Comedy / Drama
Directed by: Ken Kwapis
Starring: Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson 

 Running time: 194 minutes

 

Bill Bryson is an American author who returned to New Hampshire after spending a decade in the UK. Now in his 60’s, existential questions rise within him after attending the funeral of a friend. He decides to undertake the crossing of the Appalachian Trail, to the great dismay of his wife. Wanting to appease his worried wife, who doesn’t want him to make that trip alone, he looks for a friend willing to accompany him. The only one who wants to do it is a long-lost friend Stephen Katz, an aging recovering alcoholic with a temperament much different from Bryson’s.

This film is based on the memoirs written by Bill Bryson himself. It is a compelling tale that benefits greatly from the on-screen chemistry between Redford and Nolte. The supporting cast, on the other hand, was not given much and felt like an after-thought, considering the talent involved.

While interesting, this story lacked some elements, to make the whole thing more cohesive. It was still entertaining, albeit not without flaws.

Rating: «««