In this new comedy adventure, celebrated travel writer, Bill Bryson, instead of retiring to enjoy his loving and beautiful wife, and large and happy family, challenges himself to hike the Appalachian Trail - 2,200 miles of America's most unspoiled, spectacular and rugged countryside from Georgia to Maine. The peace and tranquility he hopes to find, though, is anything but, once he agrees to being accompanied by the only person he can find willing to join him on the trek - his long lost and former friend Katz, a down-on-his-luck serial philanderer who, after a lifetime of relying on his charm and wits to keep one step ahead of the law - sees the trip as a way to sneak out of paying some debts and sneak into one last adventure before its too late. The trouble is, the two have a completely different definition of the word, "adventure". Now they're about to find out that when you push yourself to the edge, the real fun begins. Written by

Plot Synopsis:
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Bill Bryson (Robert Redford) is a successful author who after living in England for many years, comes back to live in New Hampshire, with his loving wife, Catherine (Emma Thompson) whom he met and married while living in England. After a TV interview, Bill goes with Catherine to a funeral. After talking to the widow and offering their condolences, Bill wants to leave, but Catherine tells him to go and talk with the others that are there.

When they get home, Bill tells Catherine that he is going for a walk. On his walk, he comes across a sign that says "The Appalachian Trail." Later that night, Bill does some research on the trail, concluding that it is a 2,000+ mile trek from Georgia to Maine. When he tells Catherine about it, she voices her displeasure with the idea. But, she eventually relents when she tells Bill that she will let him go on the hike if he can find someone to go with him.

After calling everyone he knows, he almost gives up since everyone that he called declines. Suddenly, he gets a phone call from his long-lost friend, Stephen (Nick Nolte) who offers to go with him on the hike. When Bill tells Catherine, she gets upset because she has heard stories about Stephen's philandering ways. Bill tells her that she agreed to let him go if he found someone, which he has. So she lets him go.

Bill and his son go to an outdoor shop to buy supplies for the trip. The salesperson (Nick Offerman) entices Bill with some camping equipment, including an overpriced backpack and a tent.

Bill and Catherine go to the airport to meet Stephen. Stephen, overweight and clearly out-of-shape, stumbles off the airplane. When he sees Bill, they hug, and he also hugs Catherine.

That night, Stephen tells Bill's family stories about Bill with other women in his past. Bill, who was out of the room, comes in and is surprised that Stephen told them about that. Catherine asks Bill why he kept those stories a secret, to which he says that he forgot about it. Catherine tells Stephen that she wants to hear more of these stories.

The next day, the two men head off to the start point of the trail. The first morning is clearly the most difficult. Bill starts off at a nice pace, but Stephen is very slow, so Bill has to adjust his pace. Other hikers pass them, including a boy scout group.

They stop to get something to eat, which is when they are approached by Mary Ellen (Kristen Schaal), a loud, arrogant, know-it-all hiker who doesn't hike with others because she points out their techniques as being wrong and assumes that she is the only one who hikes "the correct way".

She tags along with Bill and Stephen, constantly talking about them and even telling Bill that he got ripped off at the outdoor shop and that the salesperson must have seen him coming.

That night, Bill goes over to Stephen's tent with a plan to ditch Mary Ellen. They agree to get up early and head out before she wakes up. In the morning, as they prepare to leave, Mary Ellen wakes up. She asks them if they are leaving, and they say they are. Bill asks if she wants them to wait for her. She says that she will catch up. When she goes back into her tent, Bill and Stephen take off down the trail. She begins to catch up to them, so they hide until she passes by, and then they continue.

A little later, Bill and Stephen come across another hiker heading in the opposite direction. He tells them that a storm is coming and that they should prepare for it. Stephen looks up at the clouds and doesn't see any sign of an approaching storm.

All of a sudden, they are hit by a snowstorm. They eventually make camp and are able to ride out the storm. They come to a motel with some cabins. When they ask for a cabin, the front desk attendant tells them that all that is left is a couple of bunks in the main room.

They go and settle in their bunks. Stephen takes the top bunk while Bill takes the bottom. Bill lays down in his bunk and looks up and notices the boards cracking from Stephen's weight. Suddenly, Stephen crashes through and falls onto Bill.

They continue on and eventually come to another town. They head to the local motel, where the proprietor, Jeannie (Mary Steenburgen) begins to develop feelings for Bill after they have a conversation. Bill decides not to do anything with Jeannie, due to him being married.

The next morning, Bill and Stephen go to the local laundromat to do some laundry. Bill decides to go to K-Mart to get some supplies before they head out, but ends up falling into a mud pit after taking a shortcut to avoid crossing a busy highway to get to the store.

Stephen develops an attraction to a woman who comes into the laundromat. They decide to meet at a fire station later that day. Bill comes back with his clothes all muddy and Stephen tells him the story of the woman at the laundromat.

Stephen goes to meet the woman while Bill goes to have lunch at a restaurant. As he's having lunch, Stephen comes in and tells Bill that the woman is married and that her husband is looking for him (Stephen). So, they go back to the motel and prepare to get ready to get back on the trail. All of a sudden, they hear screeching tires. It is the woman's husband. He is knocking on all of the doors in the motel, trying to find Stephen. They are able to avoid the man by escaping out the window in the bathroom.

They get back on the trail. On the path, they are chatting when they find themselves at the edge of a cliff, overlooking a beautiful landscape view. They choose to stop and end up having an enlightening conversation about Stephen's past as an alcoholic and his being sober for years. He shows Bill a bottle of bourbon that he has in his bag. He tells Bill that the bottle is a reminder that he can drink, but that he chooses not to. He has Bill open the bottle, which he does. Bill hands the bottle back to Stephen. Stephen smells the bourbon inside the bottle and then pours it out.

Later that night, Bill hears some noises in the woods. He wakes Stephen up and asks him if he hears it. Stephen passes it off as being nothing. Bill shines a flashlight into the bushes and two grizzly bears come out and start smelling around. Stephen gets frightened, but Bill suggests that they have to stand up to the bears and then they will go away. With their tents, they are able to appear larger, make noises, and successfully frighten the two bears away.

The next day, they continue on and pass a sign that says that this particular area is only for experienced hikers. They press on and end up accidentally falling down a part of a ravine onto a small section of a platform that overlooks the river below. They are trapped because they cannot climb back up the mountain and cannot climb down because of the river below. So after trying to make a makeshift rope with their clothes, they concede for the night.

The next morning, they are noticed by two hikers that they encountered earlier in the trip, who rescue them. As they press on, they notice a map that highlights where they are in the trail. The map shows that they have only hiked about a third of the entire length of the trail, and they have already been hiking for months (they started in April, and it was already after June). It is not too long afterward that Bill asks Stephen if he wants to go home. Stephen says that he does.

Bill accompanies Stephen to the bus station where they say their goodbyes. Bill heads home and hugs a grateful Catherine. Bill goes over to his study where Catherine has put all of his mail, including some postcards. The postcards are from Stephen, who wrote them on his bus trip home. The postcards comment on different key things during the trip, including the grizzly bear incident. On the final postcard, Stephen writes, "Hey Bill. What's next?"

Bill opens up his laptop and begins writing his new book, entitled "A Walk In The Woods".

THE END

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Judge Dredd from United States
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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.

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clg238 from United States
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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.

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Gunga Din from USA
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I saw this film today. I will happily pay to see it again.

For the hour and 45 minutes or so that a group of strangers sat in the dark to view this story we were all comrades in arms:

The theater was filled with loud guffaws, howls and shrieks of laughter: Joyful foot stomping laughter! I was gasping for breath, helplessly laughing 'til my sides hurt.

It was refreshing to see a comedy that was well paced, brilliantly performed and offered a transcendent philosophy; a huge departure from the formulaic obscenities that Hollywood has churned out in the past 10 years.

This is a Gem: Redford and Nolte create a magnificent chemistry that begs a sequel. Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen, Ken Offerman and Kristen Schaal are terrific, artfully rounding out their characters with true craftsmanship.

Don't let 'professional' critics sway you, they get paid to write snarky reviews - go see this for yourselves, you won't regret it.

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mdreser44 from California
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I have NOT read the book...So the little 'incorrect' things or the little incongruities don't mean a thing to me. This movie is a delight to watch unfold. And soooo funny! I loved the contrast between Redford and Nolte, they really complimented each other; loved the unexpected people, and outrageous incidents. It was interesting to learn about the trail and trail-hiking--the hikers seem a special group of people. And it was interesting to learn about the problems of the forests, although I wonder what can be done about it (nothing stopped the American Chestnut blight). The scenery was beautiful--I would have liked even more shots. Best of all, however, was the hilarity. We all were holding our sides! Nolte was grand. Redford was elegant and refined. Emma Thompson is wonderful in every part she plays. And Mary Steenburgen is still so beautiful. It was good to see them all!

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art_by_andi from United States
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'A Walk in the Woods' (2015) is the long awaited adaptation of the beloved 1998 book by Bill Bryson. And I have to say, as a huge fan of the book, I was extremely excited to hear that this was finally being made into a movie. I also have to say it was one of the most disappointing cinema experiences of my life. The film follows Robert Redford as author Bill Bryson as he makes an ill attempted trek along the famed Appalachian Trail with his long estranged friend Steven Katz, played by Nick Nolte. Despite the fact that both book and film have the same tag-line premise, this movie was about as far away from the source material as it could possibly get.

Visually speaking, it was incredibly boring. Stylistically reminiscent of a Hallmark Channel flick, I expect to see this movie playing in the waiting room of my local dentist office. Despite the fact that the plot revolves around two geriatrics traversing an expansive and rugged mountain trail, roughly two thousand miles of track stretching from Georgia to Main, well over half of the movie takes place in diners, motels, laundromats, and the local Kmart. What parts of the film do take place on the trail are close shots of camping tents or convenient mountain ledges that vaguely reveal just enough of the surrounding nature that the audience can tell the scene takes place outdoors.

This is robs the film of its core plot line. Director Ken Kwapis took all of the natural beauty from the movie and replaced it with cheap gags and old men bickering to each other.The title of the movie is 'A Walk in the Woods' but maybe a more appropriate title would be 'Stumbling through the Parking Lot'. All of Bryson's rich and moving commentary about the history of environmental thought in America is summed up with an offhand comment by Redford about a tree.

The dialogue and writing is almost entirely composed of tired clichés that I feel like I've seen better in a thousand other films. Kwapis forced the theme of dealing with regrets in later life and having one last adventure before buying the farm. What he ends up with is a few painfully awkward scenes between Redford and Mary Steenburgen as Bryson considers having an affair on his wife (played by Emma Thompson). Nolte's Katz later tries to pick up a woman in the laundromat and the intrepid hikers must escape out a window, just as the audience ponders escaping the theater.

The poor writing and forced jokes are almost unbearable; an opinion apparently shared by the cast of the film, as none of them seemed to want to be there. This leaves the audience to watch stiff, awkward, and disjointed performances from the otherwise talented actors. Redford's Bryson comes across as elitist, judgmental, and boring. While Nolte's Katz is indescribably hard to watch; hobbling along the trail at an improbable pace given his many supposed ailments and gargling out enough F-bombs as to make the dialogue seem lopsided. Thompson almost seems embarrassed to be in the three scenes in which she appears.

It is unclear as to the intended audience for this movie. Instead of making a movie that fans of the book would love, Kwapis made a cheesy drama that I would feel is insulting to fans of the book, all hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and the elderly community in general. The best parts of the book were removed and replaced with unnecessary drama, dumb jokes that don't even qualify as slapstick, and a hopeless feeling that Bryson and Katz are hiking not towards a better friendship and an appreciation for nature, but towards their failure and regret laden graves.

Overall, this film has absolutely no redeeming qualities. Reading the book inspired me to hike the Appalachian Trail so I could be a part of American history and gain a better appreciation of the natural world. Watching the movie inspired me to hike the Appalachian Trail so I could get as far away from the movie as possible.

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Steve Pulaski from United States
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"A Walk in the Woods" is precisely what I expected from a comedy-drama about two geezers hiking across the Appalachian Trail as a means of reacquainting themselves with the soil of their homeland. This is a film for the often neglected baby-boomer crowd that doesn't get out to see films quite often, mainly because most of what's out doesn't appeal to them. Amidst the noise of "Straight Outta Compton," the mind-numbing nonsense of "Hitman: Agent 47" and "The Transporter: Refueled," there's this low-key gem that provides for a restful trip to the theater.

The film is a biopic of author Bill Bryson (Robert Redford), who has lived out the last two decades exploring Britain and authoring books before returning to New Hampshire and living peacefully with his wife. In his sixties, he has put writing to the side, living out the last years of his life in solitude and tranquility, but is suddenly moved by the death of a friend enough to have one last adventure in him. Spontaneously, he comes up with the idea to hike over 2,000 miles along the Appalachian Trail as a testament to the will of a person and to become reacquainted with the soil he left decades ago.

He inquires numerous friends, most of whom dismiss him in rude or casual ways, and figures that he'll have no one to embark on this journey with. Again, out of nowhere, Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte) a former friend from Bill's homestate of Iowa, phones and vocalizes his excitement about the trip. However, upon meeting one another, we see that Bill, a lean, well-built man, even for sixty, poses a stark contrast to Stephen, a portly, unkempt alcoholic in remission with the voice of a phlegm-filled smoker and the look of a street bum. The two set course for the long haul ahead of them by packing heavily and working to rekindle the fire that was their friendship.

No matter which way you dissect the film, "A Walk in the Woods" belongs to Redford and Nolte. Here are two veteran actors who, much like their characters, have a great deal of experience under their belts and know how to command a screen. Giving these actors the Appalachian Trail as their playground is like giving a seasoned artist a paintbrush and as much free time as he or she needs; they will just do what they do best and surprise you every step of the way.

Screenwriters Rick Kerb and Bill Holderman, working off of Bryson's biography of the same name, exhaust the humor possibilities of Redford and Nolte, and while a handful come in the form of situational comedy, most come from their casual conversations and musings on life. Redford's conservative, mild-mannered presence contrasted with Nolte's vulgar, brutally honest demeanor, with a voice that seems to speak from the realms of pain, doubt, and years of alcohol dependency, create the age-old contrast in a buddy movie. Looking past formula and basic structure, Redford and Nolte know how to make this simple script work and that is by way of charm and emphasis on character and life experience.

This is a more straight-forward film than last year's "Wild," which, while very strong, was bogged down by a heavy emphasis on symbolism and too much exposition. Here, the humor in the film is consistent enough to call this a comedy, and the drama is just enough to make you feel without being overwhelmed. Much like the chemistry on display here, "A Walk in the Woods" is a decidedly amiable picture, predicated off of simplicities and amiable charm that's good for a few chuckles and a peaceful close to the summer of a wide variety of strong and memorable films.

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manders_steve from Melbourne, Australia
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I really like Bill Bryson's gentle, whimsical, poignant story telling. He has a great gift to spot the interesting side to common situations most of us miss. He has no problem pointing out his own failings or acknowledging the strengths and abilities of others. And so I was looking forward to seeing Ken Kwapsis's movie version, having read and enjoyed the original book shortly after it was released in 1998. 'A walk in the woods' gave more insight into Bryson than the travel based books of his I had read, and I really enjoyed it.

Sadly, this film doesn't even come close to capturing any of the strengths of the book. I recognised a few scenes, but they were slapstick caricatures of the sorts of amusing situations that do occur on long bushwalks, or moments of insight into the foibles of our lives.

Bill Bryson was born in 1951, and 'A walk in the woods' was first published in 1998, when he was 47. So I suppose he would have been in his mid 40s when the trip took place. What those in charge were thinking of when a nearly 80 year old actor was cast to play the lead, even a fit one like Robert Redford, I cannot imagine. Nick Nolte as Bryson's accomplice looked and acted equally frailly, reflecting Stephen Katz' ability, or more accurately lack of, to look after himself. This was the film's first and for me most fatal flaw – there is just no way these two could have done even a tenth of what was being portrayed.

Most of the supporting cast were superficial, or lacked the subtlety of the original. The only convincing character for me was Emma Thompson as Catherine Bryson, Bill's wife. But the gentle pace of the film seemed about right, even though it meant being selective about which parts of the book made it to the big screen. It's not the sort of adventure that would reward a feeling of haste.

The film didn't seem to make the most of what I suppose must be amazing scenery – much was shot in in flat light from moderately overcast skies.

There are a few long walk films around at the moment – Reece Witherspoon pulling herself back together on the Pacific Crest trail in Wild and pilgrims Walking the Camino spring to mind. And both of these are far superior films in my view.

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peggyatthemovies from United States
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A Walk in the Woods is essentially a two-hander piece between Robert Redford's Bill Bryson, a traveling writer who teams up with his old companion Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte) for a hike along the 2,000 mile- plus Appalachian Trail. Bryson is a sarcastically funny cynic who has his life in a certain order that has become mundane for him, whereas Katz is a grumpy recovering alcoholic who still tries to re-live and remain in his more youthful days. Their contrasts can appear a tad caricature like, but their acting ability, charm, and on-screen chemistry binds the film together well.

Its a nice witty, little jaunt of a film and while some could be of the opinion that Redford might have wanted to make a bit of an environmental statement here (I disagree), Nolte keeps us entertained all through till the end. Seeing Emma Thompson is always a delight as Redford's wife Catherine Bryson, but it's truly Kristen Schaal as Mary Ellen, the annoying, obnoxious fellow traveler whom talks endlessly and knows all, that brings the most to her small, albeit scene stealing role.

As you might expect, yes there are a few lullsy moments throughout the film but A Walk in the Woods is no Wild nor does it try to be.. it's more 'The Odd Couple' on a roadtrip – buddy type film with Redford as Felix and Nolte as Oscar. It's a safe bet that will appeal to a older audience, though they might be a bit surprised with some of the language by these two wonderful actors and while very sweet..I would definitely put it in the category of "sweet & nice" which is a perfectly okay way to spend a few hours!!

Grade: C

@pegsatthemovies peggyatthemovies.com

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bulldozer1000
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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.

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Don Lake (taupoanui)
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I can't believe the poverty of plot or lack of musical accompaniment to this boring boring movie.

Stunning scenery and the sheer physical effort of walking such an apparently historic trail are replaced by inane dialogue and irrelevant plot developments.

No tension, no 'mesage', no direction - except "home" - which is where they end up - unsurprisingly - which is also where we ended up, incredibly disappointed in 1hr 48mins of our lives wasted waiting for a 'denouement' - which turned out to be - "I'll write a book!" . . .

Emma Thompson was amazing and wasted in her scarcity of scenes

appalachian trail|friendship|campground|hiker|hiking|backpacker|backpacking|

AKAs Titles:



Certifications:
Australia:M / Austria:6 / Canada:PG (British Columbia) / Germany:0 / Ireland:15A / Portugal:M/12 / Spain:T / Switzerland:12 / UK:15 / USA:R (certificate #49549)