A WALK IN THE WOODS

Making up for any minor failings in editing are Redford and Nolte, veteran performers in the hands of capable director Ken Kwapis (‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’). Redford is excellent, as expected, and while Nolte’s raspy voice borders on annoying, it’s far, far overshadowed by his performance as Katz, a reformed alcoholic running from more than the bottle. While Bill’s motivations for taking on a six-month hike through the equivalent of scaling Everest 16 times are fairly obvious, Katz’s are more nuanced and complicated, and Nolte gives us all of that with ease.

While the film focuses squarely on Bill and Katz, the support cast are integral, and as usual Emma Thompson is perfect as Bill’s concerned and resigned wife Catherine. Fans of ‘Parks and Recreation’ will get a kick out of a brief Nick Offerman cameo, while Mary Steenburgen and Kristen Schaal both make very valuable appearances. While the human characters provide the entertainment, it’s the Appalachian Trail itself that provides the impetus for the story, becoming almost a character itself with its sweeping scenery permeating every moment. Rather nicely complementing the striking vision on screen is a soundtrack featuring indie artist Lord Huron. I recommend you check him out, because his tracks couldn’t have been more perfect for the mood and setting of this film.

Bill spends much of their time on the Trail claiming he won’t be writing a book about their experiences, with Katz sure that he will. Of course, we know he does, but at the time, his motivation was more about proving to himself that he wasn’t so old, so ready to retire. Like Reese Witherspoon’s character in 'Wild', the result of his journey is more than the protagonist expects. It’s inspiring in a way, as I left the cinema not only determined to reread my collection of Bryson books, but to look into a trek of my own.