Two old guys decide to hike the treacherous Appalachian Trail.
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This is a feel good movie. It shows the world that just because men get old it doesn’t mean their adventuring days are over. This writer originally had no idea what to expect but found himself liking this film a lot. There is a lot of great things that men of all ages can enjoy and is one of those rare films that you shouldn’t miss out on. Not only men will like it though, those who are fans of these two actors will be laughing from the beginning right to the final scenes.
Bill Bryson (Robert Redford) has had a very full life. He is a well known published author and has a loving wife and an amazing family. He lived in England for over 20 years but decided to move back to New Hampshire to live a more peaceful life. One day he is on a morning talk show that doesn’t go that well and Bryson feels like there is something missing in his life. When he attends a funeral with his wife Catherine Bryson (Emma Thompson) the audience gets to see that Bryson may be ready to attempt something daring. When Bryson and his wife Cathy get home he decides to take a nice short walk. On this trek he bumps into a sign that has the Appalachian Trail on it.
Bryson makes the decisions shortly after that he is going to trek the entire trail. Cathy hates the idea but knows him well enough that there is no way to deter him from doing this. She is smart too though and gives a stipulation Bryson is not allowed to go on this trip alone, he has to find someone to accompany him. He thinks this is going to be easy but no one wants to risk their lives with him. When it seems all hope is lost Bryson gets a call from Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte) who wants to know if he may join Bryson on his hiking trip. Bryson is hesistant but decides to give it a shot, it could be fun. What happens next is an adventure full of excitement, hilarious clever one liners and sights that will take viewers breath away. How long will it take them to hike this long trail? What dangers will they encounter along the way? And will they be friends or enemies once it is all over?
Robert Redford and Nick Nolte are a wonderful pair in this movie. They play off of each other in a natural way and Nolte has a ton of very good one liners that are hard to not laugh at. The whole trip they come up against difficult odds made harder by the fact that they are not young men in the prime shape of their lives.
But the greatest thing about this film is the soundtrack with many original songs by Lord Huron. Although some of these songs are simple they magically bring a lot of pivotal scenes to life in a way no other song could. It is some of the most amazing music this writer has heard in a long time. The Composer Nathan Larson hit pay dirt when he hired this artist for this movie it is one of the things that will set this film away from all the rest out there right now.
The film gets 8/10. It is uplifting and humorous but also has its dramatic moments. There are times when things look grim but Bryson refuses to give up. It is one of Nolte’s best work in a long time. It may not be for everyone but the majority of the populace needs to see this movie. Kids may not get the humor and there are a few adult situations but nothing too vulgar.The ending is somewhat surprising but it somehow works. The last scene is very clever and do a stellar job of finishing up a good adventure.
If you like uplifting films this is one you will want to check out. If you are looking for a film to see with your friends this is the picture you will want to pick. See this film when it comes out this Wednesday there is a chance you may learn a few things from it.
See the wonderful trailer here: