Watch The Art of Travel

The Art of Travel, a 2008 adventure comedy-drama film directed by Thomas Whelan and starring Christopher Masterson, Brooke Burns, and Johnny Messner is a story that explores the themes of self-discovery and finding one's place in the world. The movie follows Conner Layne (Christopher Masterson), a recently graduated college student, who is about to marry the love of his life, but suddenly finds himself dumped at the altar. Confused and heartbroken, he decides to embark on a journey to clear his head and find himself. He plans a backpacking trip across Central America, with the ultimate destination being Machu Picchu in Peru.

As he travels from one country to another, he meets a variety of people who challenge him in different ways. Along the way, he crosses paths with Darlene Loren (Brooke Burns), a beautiful and adventurous woman who lives by her own rules. She becomes his travel partner, and together they face the ups and downs of the journey.

However, as the journey unfolds, Conner realizes that his backpacking trip is not just a physical journey but also a journey of self-discovery. He is confronted with his own shortcomings and forced to confront his fears, which ultimately leads him to a greater appreciation of the world around him and a newfound sense of self.

One of the most captivating aspects of the movie is the beautiful scenery throughout Central America. Cinematographer Richard Crudo captures the stunning landscapes of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Peru, creating a sense of wanderlust and adventure that is sure to captivate viewers. There are also a couple of thrilling action sequences, such as when Conner and Darlene are chased by a group of bulls through the streets of Pamplona.

Aside from the stunning visuals, the movie's real strength lies in its ability to explore deeper themes. It showcases Conner's journey to self-discovery as he struggles with issues like regret, self-doubt, and finding his place in the world. Through his encounters with the locals along the way, Conner learns to develop a new perspective on life and begins to see that every culture and individual has something unique to offer.

The chemistry between the two main characters is palpable, and the actors' performances are excellent. Christopher Masterson plays Conner as a likable and charismatic character, with a good sense of humor and an adventurous spirit. Brooke Burns plays Darlene Loren, a free-spirited woman with a thirst for adventure, perfectly.

Overall, The Art of Travel is an enjoyable and inspiring movie, particularly for those who love to travel and immerse themselves in new cultures. Despite being a relatively low-budget production, it manages to convey an epic sense of adventure, and its themes resonate deeply with viewers. The movie teaches us that sometimes we need to take a leap of faith and step outside of our comfort zones to truly discover who we are and what we are capable of achieving.

The Art of Travel is a 2007 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.