A Walk In The Woods has been a passion project for cinema legend Robert Redford for over a decade. Upon a fluke reading of the book, he saw a perfect third collaboration with his friend Paul Newman. When Newman died, the project stalled. However, in 2015, it has finally come to fruition.
Based on Bill Bryson's biographical novel, it follows Bryson (Redford), an American travel writer who decides to reconnect with America — after two decades living in Britain — by walking the long, dangerous Appalachian Trail with the unexpected help of his estranged friend Steven Katz (Nick Nolte).
Directed by Ken Kwapis, who's known through his TV work and romantic comedies, the film is a light comedy drama. With a likeable script, it's a leisurely journey dealing with life, nature and age. Unlike similar films, circumstances edge toward levity, even in the face of death.
It's extremely refreshing seeing Redford do comedy again. His timing/delivery are excellent, balanced with effortless dramatic sincerity. Nolte is craggier than ever, managing to be humorous yet deep. It's obvious why Redford saw this as a perfect collaboration for himself and Newman, hinging as it does on chemistry, but Redford and Nolte thankfully have plenty. Furthermore, they're aided by a slew of nice cameos, as well as empathetic support from Emma Thompson.
In the end, it's not a masterpiece but it's nonetheless a lovely, intimate, feel-good journey.
