A Walk in the Woods - A Movie Review

When you said we were going for a walk in the woods, I thought you were kidding.

A Walk in the Woods was released to theaters in 2015. Based on the biographical book of the same name written by Bill Bryson, two hikers decide to hike the Appalachian Trail. Neither one in shape for this hike, Bill and Stephen bond over stories as they meet new people along their adventure.

Movies that center around people going on an adventure are reformative films. A Walk in the Woods focuses on two men who take a reflective journey. It is such a simple story but it holds a deep message. My favorite part about this film are the people whom they run into along the way.

Robert Redford and Nick Nolte work well together. It just goes to show that opposites can be friends. Not in the best of shape, Bill and Stephen push themselves for the needed adventure. Their growth, determination, and humorous insights were memorable.

Nolte was great, delivering the best comedic timing. My favorite scene, aside from being slow on the trail, is when he flirted with a woman in the laundromat and got himself into trouble. At first, because of his appearance, you would never think that Stephen would ever tag along for this adventure. Everyone has layers.

The dialogue was beneficial. A conversation can be about anything. Writers heavily focused on the interactions between Bill and Stephen. Scenes, where they talk about life, wasted opportunities, or why they lost touch, were well-acted. The story was about reconnecting.

You never know what characters you are going to meet during an adventure. Even if you cross paths for a second, meeting new people is a part of life. We all have a different lifestyle of view of life. It’s okay to strike up a conversation with someone new because you never know what you will learn.

Notable credits include the talents of Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen, Nick Offerman, Kristen Schaal, R. Keith Harris, and several other colorful characters. It doesn’t matter how small your part is. That’s how life works. You never know who you will meet.

Acting highlight goes to Kristen Schaal. As I said, you never know who you are going to run into on a hike. It’s your decision if you want to stay or bolt.

A Walk in the Woods gifts audiences with beautiful cinematography of the woods. I wanted to join them on their hike as they walked along pathways, (tried) to walk across streams, but mostly to gaze at the gorgeous scenery. Redford and Nolte didn’t do all that walking. However, because they had to film several takes, they walked for miles each day.

It doesn’t matter if it’s by car or on foot, taking an adventure encourages one to see the world and think. I have always enjoyed hiking up mountains or going for a walk in the woods. It’s time for yourself.

As the film showcases, you need to be prepared for mountain hikes. Expect the unexpected. You never know what lies ahead on the trail.

Ken Kwapis did a credible job with character direction and the overall tone. The cinematography and direction were executed very well. Nobody ever knows what life will be like. If anyone is ever looking for a change go and take an adventure. Adventure is always out there where you least expect it.

I recommend that you find A Walk in the Woods and give it a watch. It is fun for the whole family to enjoy. I’m sure you will want to go for a hike afterward.