Watch A Walk in the Woods
- R
- 2015
- 1 hr 38 min
-
6.4 (30,385)
A Walk in the Woods is a 2015 adventure comedy-drama film directed by Ken Kwapis and based on the book of the same name by Bill Bryson. The film stars Robert Redford as Bryson who decides at the age of 60 that he wants to hike the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile footpath that runs from Georgia to Maine. Nick Nolte plays Stephen Katz, Brysonâs long-lost friend who joins him on the adventure.
The film begins with Bryson attending a funeral where he realizes how much time he has left and decides to embark on the Appalachian Trail. However, his wife, played by Emma Thompson, is not too thrilled with the idea and expresses her concerns about safety, bears, and the two menâs physical capabilities.
Despite his wifeâs objections, Bryson sets out alone, but soon realizes how daunting the task is and how unprepared he is for the journey. He runs into his old acquaintance Katz, and despite their troubled past, he invites him along on the hike. Katz is an overweight, out-of-shape alcoholic who is not up for the challenge, but does his best to keep up with Bryson.
As they hike along the trail, the two friends face numerous challenges, including wild animals, harsh weather conditions, and a lack of supplies. They also encounter a variety of interesting characters and make new friends along the way. One of their new acquaintances is a young man named "Beary," who they nickname as such because they think he is a bear in disguise.
Throughout the movie, the two men engage in deep conversations about life, regrets and confront their past traumas. Bryson is forced to reconcile with the fact that he is not as young as he used to be while Katz confronts his inner demons to sober up and change his life. Despite their differences and occasional disagreements, they support each other during the most challenging moments.
A Walk in the Woods is not just a story about two old friends hiking, itâs about self-discovery, redemption, and the beauty in life's simplistic moments. The stunning scenery of the Appalachian Trail adds to the filmâs charm, and the comic moments break up the tension amidst the characters and scenery.
Redford and Nolte are fantastic, and their on-screen chemistry works convincingly to transport the viewer into the film. Thompson, who has a small role in the movie, delivers a noteworthy performance.
Overall, A Walk in the Woods is a heartwarming and funny movie with a terrific cast, beautiful cinematography, and a message about meaningful friendships. It is a pleasant and romanticized view of nature that will make you want to pack your bags and embark on an adventure.
A Walk in the Woods is a 2015 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 51.