Grandes amigos

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 went to see this movie today, having read the original book by Bill Bryson and subsequently listened to a hilarious 'audio book' version narrated by Kerry Shale.

My first comment is that Robert Redford is just too old, way too old, for the part. By my estimate, Bill Bryson was less than 50 when he walked the trail with Katz, whereas Redford is 78. It made a big and substantial difference to my enjoyment of the movie, since a lot of the humour in the book comes from the fact that it's two middle-aged slightly overweight guys who start the walk, not two old men.

Furthermore, I found Emma Thompson's portrayal of Catherine Bryson simply irritating and humourless. Like Robert Redford, I felt she just turned up and did her lines.

Many of the best anecdotes from the book appear in the movie, and yet somehow none is anything like as funny as in the book/audio book. For example, the overweight nasal-sounding Mary Ellen segment just isn't as funny in the movie not least because the actress playing Mary Ellen is not overweight and therefore her jibe at Katz for being overweight misses the joke.

Overall, the movie was light and amusing in places, but bad casting and uncommitted acting makes it just average and with a heavy heart I rate it just 6/10. And trust me, I went in with fairly low expectations yet hoping for a good laugh. It was worse than I expected and not as funny as I'd hoped.

I really enjoyed this movie mixed of light comic touches and thought-provoking scenes. It's not a movie which wins over audience with dramatic turns and characterization. So I would recommend you to enjoy it alone or with someone who has similar patience as you. The story, as the name of the movie suggests, a walk in the wood, takes you for a causal walk into the nature. It leads you to look for the lost good qualities in human beings or make a good reflection on the past. This story is for me like a walk which makes me ponder over what adventures await in my future and how experience changes a person. There are a lot of interesting dialogues sparked with age-old memory and wisdom between these two characters: Katz and Bryson. They are grumpy, funny, and adorable. On top of that, the wood sceneries are gorgeous too.

Caught a screening of this movie in Salt Lake City. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy put it on. What a fun movie, Nolte is great in it!! I was quite surprised on how funny he was. Redford and Nolte make a good team. About time a Bryson book got up on the big screen. I wonder how much of an increase in foot traffic there will be on the AT after this movie gets released. I'm sure next summer will be quite a bit busier. If a movie makes me want to go to the location/s it takes place I count that as a great movie. If you are a fan of the book, actors, hiking, nature or have hiked the AT you should enjoy this one. Well worth the visit to the cinema.

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.