A Walk in the Woods

The movie, A Walk in the Woods, is taken from Bill Bryson's 1998 book.

It was just last year I read the book - it was fun.  The story of the author deciding it would be a good idea to walk the Appalachain Trail.

The movie stays true to the spirit of the book.  And maybe a little funnier.  Robert Redford as Bryson and Nick Nolte as the old friend from the past make a great duo for an unlikely adventure.

The movie was released earlier this week.  It's moving, funny, and thought-provoking - occasionally at the same time.

Go see this movie.   (The R rating on the movie is for language.)

The beauty of the walk through the mountains is incredible.  It feels like you are on the trail with Bryson and Katz.

Bryson can't really decide why he's on this trek and the journey becomes a trip of self-discovery.  It reconnects him with his less accomplished friend.

The best thing you can usually say about a performance is it rings true.  Redford is believable as a writer looking for something but definitely not searching for his next book.

Nolte is tremendous in his role.  He provides comic relief and poignancy to the film.  Katz hasn't had the life the accomplished writer enjoyed, but stumbles down the trail in spite of seem to be a host of personal obstacles.

The other star is the trail itself.

By the time the movie is over I suspect you'll be wanting to check your calendar to spend some time hiking the trail.

You can warm up by seeing the movie and reading the book.  I hear tomorrow is Read a Book day, so head to the library now to prepare.

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