A Walk in the Woods (2015)

I have NOT read the book...So the little 'incorrect' things or the little incongruities don't mean a thing to me. This movie is a delight to watch unfold. And soooo funny! I loved the contrast between Redford and Nolte, they really complimented each other; loved the unexpected people, and outrageous incidents. It was interesting to learn about the trail and trail-hiking--the hikers seem a special group of people. And it was interesting to learn about the problems of the forests, although I wonder what can be done about it (nothing stopped the American Chestnut blight). The scenery was beautiful--I would have liked even more shots. Best of all, however, was the hilarity. We all were holding our sides! Nolte was grand. Redford was elegant and refined. Emma Thompson is wonderful in every part she plays. And Mary Steenburgen is still so beautiful. It was good to see them all!

Fmovies: "A Walk in the Woods" is precisely what I expected from a comedy-drama about two geezers hiking across the Appalachian Trail as a means of reacquainting themselves with the soil of their homeland. This is a film for the often neglected baby-boomer crowd that doesn't get out to see films quite often, mainly because most of what's out doesn't appeal to them. Amidst the noise of "Straight Outta Compton," the mind-numbing nonsense of "Hitman: Agent 47" and "The Transporter: Refueled," there's this low-key gem that provides for a restful trip to the theater.

The film is a biopic of author Bill Bryson (Robert Redford), who has lived out the last two decades exploring Britain and authoring books before returning to New Hampshire and living peacefully with his wife. In his sixties, he has put writing to the side, living out the last years of his life in solitude and tranquility, but is suddenly moved by the death of a friend enough to have one last adventure in him. Spontaneously, he comes up with the idea to hike over 2,000 miles along the Appalachian Trail as a testament to the will of a person and to become reacquainted with the soil he left decades ago.

He inquires numerous friends, most of whom dismiss him in rude or casual ways, and figures that he'll have no one to embark on this journey with. Again, out of nowhere, Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte) a former friend from Bill's homestate of Iowa, phones and vocalizes his excitement about the trip. However, upon meeting one another, we see that Bill, a lean, well-built man, even for sixty, poses a stark contrast to Stephen, a portly, unkempt alcoholic in remission with the voice of a phlegm-filled smoker and the look of a street bum. The two set course for the long haul ahead of them by packing heavily and working to rekindle the fire that was their friendship.

No matter which way you dissect the film, "A Walk in the Woods" belongs to Redford and Nolte. Here are two veteran actors who, much like their characters, have a great deal of experience under their belts and know how to command a screen. Giving these actors the Appalachian Trail as their playground is like giving a seasoned artist a paintbrush and as much free time as he or she needs; they will just do what they do best and surprise you every step of the way.

Screenwriters Rick Kerb and Bill Holderman, working off of Bryson's biography of the same name, exhaust the humor possibilities of Redford and Nolte, and while a handful come in the form of situational comedy, most come from their casual conversations and musings on life. Redford's conservative, mild-mannered presence contrasted with Nolte's vulgar, brutally honest demeanor, with a voice that seems to speak from the realms of pain, doubt, and years of alcohol dependency, create the age-old contrast in a buddy movie. Looking past formula and basic structure, Redford and Nolte know how to make this simple script work and that is by way of charm and emphasis on character and life experience.

This is a more straight-forward film than last year's "Wild," which, while very strong, was bogged down by a heavy emphasis on symbolism and too much exposition. Here, the humor in the film is consistent enough to call this a comedy, and the drama is just enough to make you feel without being overwhelmed. Much like the chemistry on display here, "A Walk in the Woods" is a decidedly amiable picture, predicated off of simplicities and amiable charm

I truly enjoyed this movie, had all experienced, professional actors and actresses and it showed. Those critics that say there is no plot or drama are either too young to appreciate the aging life lessons and insights or too serious and particular and need to lighten up. I, and many in the theater, had quite a few laugh out loud moments. This is a movie for the more mature, intelligent crowd. Not for someone looking for a tense drama, or twitch action flick. I have not read the book but have read reviews that stated the book was even better so I know what my next read will be. This movie had some great nature shots of the AT which was an added bonus. Thought Nick Nolte and Robert Redford were good casting for their characters.

A Walk in the Woods fmovies. Based on the 1998 book/memoir of the same name by Bill Bryson, 'A Walk in the Woods' is a sweet, simple & uncomplicated film, that turns out to be nice fun. Its also supremely well-acted, although that barely comes as a surprise, since the performers on-screen are legends.

'A Walk in the Woods' Synopsis: After spending two decades in England, Bill Bryson returns to the U.S., where he decides the best way to connect with his homeland is to hike the Appalachian Trail with one of his oldest friends.

'A Walk in the Woods' is sweet look at age, adventure & friendship. Watching the senior protagonists go on a trip in the wilderness, offers moments of warmth & subtle humour. However, the film plays it safe at all times & hence it turns out be a good watch, but nothing memorable. Its harmless, but never remarkable.

Bill Holderman & Michael Arndt's Screenplay is nicely done. although its too simple in totality. Ken Kwapis's Direction is passable. Cinematography captures the wilderness well. Editing is sharp. Nathan Larson's Score is super.

Performance-Wise: Robert Redford & Nick Nolte are delightful. They create a fabulous on-screen camaraderie & carry the film on their ever-reliable shoulders. Emma Thompson shines in a brief role. Mary Steenburgen, however, is tiresomely typecast.

On the whole, 'A Walk in the Woods' is worth a watch.

Okay, this movie isn't great art, but it's delightful, funny, filled with veteran actors (Nick Nolte, Robert Redford, Mary Steenburgen, and Emma Thompson who, as usual, is absolutely perfect for the part she plays. I loved it because I'm not a hiker, and I truly felt every bit of resistance that Nolte's character expresses to being out in nature while on foot. There are many, many lines that made me laugh out loud. I am not a laugh-out-loud person generally and I didn't read the book, so I don't know whether Bryson is responsible. I am also resistant to feel-good movies but this was definitely in that genre. I've always loved Nick Nolte and am sad that he has become so obese, but his innate attractiveness made me forget how misshapen he is. Definitely (contrary to at least one reviewer's claims) there was a lot about mortality. Definitely (contrary to a couple of reviewers' claims) there is a plot and there is a destination (I say this as a published novelist and short story writer, as well as a former teacher of creative writing). I suspect this movie appeals more to people of a certain age—it certainly appealed to me.

I really wanted to see A Walk in the Woods.I should have known better. Bill Bryson is my favorite author and A Walk in the Woods is one of my favorite Bryson books.I know how movie makers take the printed word and turn into something totally different on the screen. So it is with this film. I really couldn't recognize anything about this movie.This really should have been call Grumpy Old Hikers. I suppose that if I had not associated the movie with the book,I should have enjoyed it a great deal more.My wife thought is was a wonderful movie but she has never read the book.

For me the biggest problem was that I thought Redford was totally miscast as Bill Bryson. He makes Bryson a kind of judgmental, holier then thou, snob. Nolte as Katz is very amusing as a crusty old Iowa coot with an overactive libido and he takes the comedy honors. Mary Steenburgen has a nice little turn as a MILF motel owner named Jeannie who gives Bryson the eye. Emma Thompson is totally wasted as Mrs Bryson. Sandra Ellis Lafferty has a short but hilarious bit as Jeannie's widowed mom who develops an immediate sexual fixation on Katz.The rest of the cast is unmemorable.

I can't recommend this movie. I was just too disappointed in it.