A WALK IN THE WOODS

Not since 1993’s Grumpy Old Men has there been such a delightfully cast comedy/drama starring two endearing and veteran actors.

Based on the book by travel writer Bill Bryson, the story surrounds Bryson’s (Robert Redford) actual experiences as he, along with peculiar and estranged friend (Nick Nolte), decide to hike the rugged 2100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. They have many misadventures, but it’s a therapeutic experience as they ultimately reconnect and learn many life lessons.

Redford and Nolte’s comic flair astounds and a funny script surrounding the quirky characters they encounter on their journey arouses continuous laughter.

Emma Thompson’s radiance and English flavouring in a supporting role is welcoming, and adds a touch of class to the film.

It is inconceivable that many of the events portrayed actually occurred. Seemingly a comedy of errors, many of the comedy sequences are borderline slapstick, presumably enhanced by writers to heighten the comic impact. (MMo)

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