This film, based on a 1998 book by Bill Bryson, is a lot like much of the author’s writing: amusing, but lacking depth. Robert Redford stars as Bryson, a 70ish curmudgeonly writer who decides to walk the Appalachian Trail. The only friend who agrees to tag along is Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte), an overweight mess of a man. The two traversed Europe together decades earlier and parted on less-than-great terms.
While the premise is promising, the film disappointingly relies on lowbrow humor and silly gags. The characters renew their friendship, but don’t appear to learn much from their experiences, other than perhaps they don’t like hiking so much after all. A film about hiking should provide plenty of fodder for conversation between the two characters, but we never get to glimpse much beyond the surface. There’s a little reminiscing about past trips, a little (lewd) talk about women … but not much else.
Although there are some lovely shots of Appalachia, overall it lacks the picturesque beauty one would hope for in a story with this setting. Emma Thompson plays a supporting role as Bryson’s wife and, as always, she is lovely.
Should You See It? Save it for a rental. It’s nothing memorable or unique, just a fun watch.
Viewed at Wehrenberg Ronnies 20 Cine