A Walk in the Woods
Broad Green Pictures | Release Date: September 2, 2015
5.8
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Mixed or average reviews based on 49 Ratings
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Positive:
22
Mixed:
19
Negative:
8
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8
lukechristianscDec 29, 2015
It's not an Oscar winner, the film does what it wants to do entertain the older generation I can appreciate that. Academy Award-winner Robert Redford plays Author Bill Bryson he wants to hike the Appalachian Trail "You are not doing thisIt's not an Oscar winner, the film does what it wants to do entertain the older generation I can appreciate that. Academy Award-winner Robert Redford plays Author Bill Bryson he wants to hike the Appalachian Trail "You are not doing this alone!" Says his wife Katherine (Emma Thompson), so he calls everyone he knows to hike with him and they all say no. He gets the call from his high school friend Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte, it was supposed to be Paul Newman originally but Nolte steals the show) to join him on the 2,200 trail. Along the trail they meet interesting people they meet Mary Ellen (Kristen Shaal) an annoying not very wise we'll put it quite loony, whom Bryson and Katz ditch so they won't have to deal with her for their sake. Bryson meets a beautiful hotel manager played decently by Mary Steenburgen. Katz meets an overweight but beautiful woman (in Katz's mind) at a washing dryer store he tries to have sex with her until her overweight husband in a red pick up truck comes and gets him. Screenwriters Bill Holderman and Rick Kerb don't care about the fans of the source material, they just think we'll love it anyways and we just have to accept the mistakes. First of all, The real Bill Bryson hiked the trail when he was in his 40's. His real wife's name is not Catherine it's Cynthia. Reford is too old (no offense). Despite all of that its a good adaptation. Director Ken Kwapis (He's Just Not That Into You) captures breathetaking scenery. It has the soul of Bryson's memoir, it has the laugh out loud humor and Reford has his charisma and Nolte gives us plenty of laughs playing an old beaten down man. If your a fan of the book like me, you'll enjoy it and have some complaints. It's not for the old generation it tries to have a spot in the Labor Day special and it succeeds. Grade B+… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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6
TVJerrySep 10, 2015
Robert Redford and Nick Nolte decide to hike the Appalachian Trail. This lighthearted cinematic trek presents mild physical challenges, spirited encounters and the inevitable dramatic declarations. Redford plays determined and serious (whileRobert Redford and Nick Nolte decide to hike the Appalachian Trail. This lighthearted cinematic trek presents mild physical challenges, spirited encounters and the inevitable dramatic declarations. Redford plays determined and serious (while sometimes spouting environmental facts), while Nolte gets a chance to be blustery, feisty and the comic center of the film. This won't go down as hilarious or even memorable, but its sweet, low-key charms and lovely scenery should appeal to a mature audience.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
RtheomSep 6, 2015
This was a fine movie with a good heart to it. It had some awkward moments, but it had more good than bad. It's a story about two men learning to accept who they are and be happy with the lives they've lived, even if they aren't completelyThis was a fine movie with a good heart to it. It had some awkward moments, but it had more good than bad. It's a story about two men learning to accept who they are and be happy with the lives they've lived, even if they aren't completely ideal or idyllic. It was a very realistic portrayal of life, with simple talk, good people, and moments of peace and reflection.

This movie is definitely more suited to the older generation, and I think it says something that the younger generation finds it so hard to enjoy this movie. Not that things are bad and getting worse, but that we learn to appreciate the simpler, slower things in life as we get older, and that's perfectly fine.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
AcaciaSep 30, 2015
This is what I like to call a quiet movie. Nothing really big happens. It is just about two old friends who haven't spent time together in many years. They just happen to decide to try to walk the Appalachian Trail together for as long asThis is what I like to call a quiet movie. Nothing really big happens. It is just about two old friends who haven't spent time together in many years. They just happen to decide to try to walk the Appalachian Trail together for as long as they can. Apparently, Nick Nolte is getting lots of buzz about his performance as a grizzled ne'er do well who seems to have absolutely nothing in common with Bill Bryson (Robert Redford). They do nave some fun adventures and misadventures and meet some interesting people along the way. We enjoyed it as hikers who have hiked some of the trails the guys covered. My only beef is that I didn't feel it adequately portrayed the extreme difficulties or situations one might encounter trying to do a long term hike on the AT. I am told the book did this in great detail. Anyone who didn't know would think it must be a lark. It even had me daydreaming about getting friends together to do it until my own sense of reality kicked in.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
DJMcCloudSep 30, 2015
Some good laughs. Disappointed that language was rough at times and the sexual content was not necessary.All in all we enjoyed the movie.
Robert Redford never disappoints!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
ThomassSep 5, 2015
This was an outstanding movie for older generation. The theater was packed! The movie was funny and well done. Scenery was beautiful. Characters well done and memorable.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
Mag91Sep 4, 2015
This movie is a go too movie both funny and sad Nolte and Redford both played it like they belonged there. Not too funny not to sad just a great movie about Two old men and life!
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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4
RichardGonciJan 3, 2016
Sadly, a missed opportunity for two legendary actors... Redford and Nolte. Too saccharin by half. Sentimental and schmaltzy. Could have been the next new thing in the "buddy movie" milieu, but just settles for treacle at every occasion. InSadly, a missed opportunity for two legendary actors... Redford and Nolte. Too saccharin by half. Sentimental and schmaltzy. Could have been the next new thing in the "buddy movie" milieu, but just settles for treacle at every occasion. In the end, the both characters settle for being their not very interesting selves. So, what the hell is the point of an odyssey if your departure point and your arrival point are the same?… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
homer4presidentSep 16, 2015
I had to watch this movie for my English class so I was forced to watch this. The humor was there, it was just poorly paced. They left a lot of things out from the book that should have been added. Also, I felt like the tone of the movieI had to watch this movie for my English class so I was forced to watch this. The humor was there, it was just poorly paced. They left a lot of things out from the book that should have been added. Also, I felt like the tone of the movie could have been a bit more serious.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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3
BettySpinksSep 6, 2015
Ouch, this movie is painful to watch. Some laughs from Nolte, but Redford is DOA. Do not go see this movie if you are under 45. This one is strictly for the oldies. It was a sea of white hair in the audience. The cinematography is totallyOuch, this movie is painful to watch. Some laughs from Nolte, but Redford is DOA. Do not go see this movie if you are under 45. This one is strictly for the oldies. It was a sea of white hair in the audience. The cinematography is totally uninspired. If anyone wants to hike the Appalachian, this movie will not inspire you. The special effects of the (fake) snow storm were mid-90s bad. The encounters along the journey were contrived: hitchhiking with drunk newly-engaged rednecks; falling off a cliff; the "bears in the camp" scene. Again, some mild chuckles to be had. I would wait and rent the DVD to watch on Thanksgiving Day with Grandma and Grandpa. Now that I think about it, Redford is 80. Bryson was 50 when he did the trip. Redford may be the only reason this movie got produced but I wish he would've taken his ego out of it and stayed behind the camera. Woulda been much better to show a younger old man, than a painfully old man.… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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2
TheKavehJSep 7, 2015
A Walk In The Woods tries way too hard to make you like it. For 105 minutes, you are laughing a little, but the rest of the time, being bored. But, the film sure made the Appalachian Trail look beautiful.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
shermySep 7, 2015
Nick Nolte was good enough to garner an academy award nomination if he had a better foil than Mr Redford. Some reviewers hinted at it but out of respect for Mr Redford, none would simply declare that he can no longer act. Mr Redford'sNick Nolte was good enough to garner an academy award nomination if he had a better foil than Mr Redford. Some reviewers hinted at it but out of respect for Mr Redford, none would simply declare that he can no longer act. Mr Redford's character had no dramatic presence, either spoken or visual.

On the other hand there was no approximation of Mr Nolte's character. In the theatrical sense his every word, twitch, and eye movement was honest to a very entertaining character. Might even say that the movie was close to a Nolte/Katz soliloquy, and a good one at that.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
EdeltraudSep 3, 2015
I'd love to give this movie a higher rating, but there are just too many soft spots, unfortunately.
That said, it was a pleasant enough way to get out of the heat for a while.
Redford & Nolte deserve credit for doing what they could ... butI'd love to give this movie a higher rating, but there are just too many soft spots, unfortunately.
That said, it was a pleasant enough way to get out of the heat for a while.
Redford & Nolte deserve credit for doing what they could ... but the fact is they are both way too old to be credible based on the original concept. And although his performance was excellent, there was way, way, way too much Nolte. I don't need to hear an old codger ha-rumphing on and on for two hours. He actually made me a little nauseous (I'm old, so I can say this.)
Even tho I'm not a fan, it's like Seth Rogan and Zak Galifinakis would have been way better as the leads.
I agree with the Miami Herald that the humor was blah. The book was hilarious and so sublime in its funny outlook on a novice taking this grand journey. Here the goofing around came off kind of lame. Still, I admit, I did laugh at several predicaments.
The cinematography could have been a bit stronger, after all, that's a major part of this. Why not bring the scenery to the fore every frame. Some nice panoramic shots, but there were way more close-ups of Nolte's crimson head that look like it could explode any minute.
The environmental aspects of the original story were downplayed, just a nod here and there, not sure what I think about that.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
csw12Jan 3, 2016
A forgettable enjoyable movie. A walk in the woods is really about nothing but the actors do their part in guiding the film. Some funny moments in an otherwise mediocre film.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Trev29Jan 24, 2016
A solid movie. It was funny and engaging, while also having just the right amount of quiet moments. It flows with ease. The acting was good and the characters were likable.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
LeZeeJan 14, 2016
Rediscovering the old friendship in a long walk.

I am very impressed for the recent films of Robert Redford, but the timing was really bad. His one man show, 'All is Lost' that overlapped with the popular flick 'Life of Pi', and now thisRediscovering the old friendship in a long walk.

I am very impressed for the recent films of Robert Redford, but the timing was really bad. His one man show, 'All is Lost' that overlapped with the popular flick 'Life of Pi', and now this with 'Tracks' and 'Wild'. People tend to choose the big one and forget the small one, or simply point the finger to the other one for having similarity. Anyway, I wanted to see it, and I did that.

Like the Pacific Crest Trail from the movie 'Wild' which's from the western part of the Unites States, this one is from the east called Appalachian Trail and both these are the biographical films. The six month trail to cover approximately 2,000 kilometers. Even learning the odds are not in their favour, the two old men embark their journey with the fixed mind to achieve the goal.

I did not know it was a screen adaptation of the real event. I won't consider it a great movie, not even for the year 2015, but it was fun to watch. A sweet little movie that I expected something, but it delivered another thing, overall it satisfied me. Maybe the reason I'm showing concern for this is it is a comedy, so looked lot like an entertainment product than the inspiring theme. But you can't deny the seriousness apart from those fun bits that it was based on someone's memoir. Especially knowing those two men are in the twilight of their lives, the attempt was admirable.

"No, writers don't retire. We either drink ourselves
to death or blow our brains out."

I always love the children and elder people movies with quality narration. Children's films are fun to watch and elder's teaches us their experiences, sometimes sympathy wins for their struggles. There were a couple big female star characters who are the part of the story, but not in the main narration. This film centres only two characters that wonderfully played by the 80 year-old Robert Redford as a 60 year-old Bill Bryson and the other one was Nick Nolte as Katz who actually stole the show. Yep, I must agree Nick Nolte is the backbone of the movie, otherwise the people would have turned away without showing any interest in this including myself.

This film was not all about the hiking or achieving something out of all the sudden in their old age. It let's us a few glimpses of the beautiful landscapes like those we saw in the 17th, 18th century paintings. Despite it being a comedy, mostly it dealt with the facts. Rediscovering the lost friendship and uncovering the old memories. Like the entire life was brought back for a few minutes in the words for us with their sweet recalls.

It is an R rated flick, because the majority of the jokes were adult's. If you decide to watch it, I suggest to give a try with your best friend, because you both might be seeing the future of yourselves. My finishing statement is, it is definitely not a must see, but it won't disappoint either if you're not anticipating in a large scale adventure, that includes emotions and severeness. If it was from before the 90s, probably considered as a good film, but in this modern CGI world, movies about life and self-discovery is fading away from the young people's mind. All they want is superheroes, loud music, fancy costumes, and of course violence.

7/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
ydnar4Dec 20, 2015
A Walk in the Woods is a fairly generic buddy comedy that is solely enjoyable for the performances of Nick Nolte and Robert Redford, who are both great and funny in the film. The banter between the two men is great and their dialogue isA Walk in the Woods is a fairly generic buddy comedy that is solely enjoyable for the performances of Nick Nolte and Robert Redford, who are both great and funny in the film. The banter between the two men is great and their dialogue is always fairly interesting. However the story is fairly uneventful. There really isn't much conflict and the movie is just not funny enough to be memorable. The scenery is good as the characters advance further down the Appalachian trail. Despite the flaws I got some enjoyment out of the film throughout the runtime, but the ending is very abrupt and disappointing. A Walk in the Woods still may be worth a watch for some as many people will treasure the performances of two stars from their heyday.… Expand
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6
TejasNairMar 25, 2020
There's a nice feel to A Walk in the Woods which is only accentuated by the adventurous journey taken against all odds by these two men who are better life livers than experienced trekkers. TN.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 26, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I found this film quite amusing from the start, with Bryson's wife trying to stop her husband from taking on too much. His determination seems quite admirable, although it becomes clear fairly early on that he may have taken on more than he can chew. Some of the situations that he and Stephen find themselves in made me laugh. I think it would be fair to say that there's a definite element of naivety present - a boyhood naivety of sorts, which is obviously ironic given the fact that their not exactly spring chickens.

Still, I couldn't help but admire Bill's determination to forge ahead on the trail. I had a rough idea of what sorts of issues may lie ahead, having recently read a book entitled 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed, which details the authors time on another similar trail, the PCT trail (PCT = Pacific Crest Trail). The comedy is mostly visual, and pretty slapstick in style. Otherwise I'd categorise this as an adventure film - only it isn't really an action film (as there are a lot of combined action and adventure films) due to the slow plot pace. Still, it'd be hard to argue that there's no element of adventure in a film with this storyline. I liked the way Katz' really tried Bill's patience, while he proved quite stubborn and also made some poignant points. I found it somehow reassuring, watching how the two older men adapted to their various precarious situations, of differing types, in their bid to grit their teeth and continue .

There are some impressive camera shots used, giving the viewer a good idea of the sort of panoramic landscapes which can be enjoyed while out on the trail. Themes covered could be said to include self-discovery and belonging.

Cast wise, Robert Redford plays the main character, Bill. Nick Nolte plays Stephen Katz, while Emma Thompson plays Bill's long suffering wife, Catherine, all of which do a good job of portraying them as determined people and good long-term friends. There's a wryness to them - to some of their quick witted remarks and the like.

I felt that, by the end, it had a nicely optimistic tone to it - it could be said to be a little too Hollywood-ised in style perhaps but I felt it was quite re-assuring regardless. I also particularly enjoyed the song that played as the film ended and the credits started to appear. The track is quite 'earthy', a sort of folk song perhaps but there is a definite positive feel to it and I enjoyed that combined with impressive camera shots of landscapes that form part of the Appalachian trail.

Content wise, this film contains some strong language, sex references and a potentially frightening scene involving a bear, although there is no graphic violence. This film carries a 15 rating to reflect the content, although I would have thought that perhaps if a couple of swear words were edited out, it could have had the lower 12 rating applied maybe?. Yes I'd recommend this film, as I felt it was quite amusing, featured some good landscape shots, a good cast and I liked the ending. This is a quite entertaining film - it may be a little slow paced for some and so may not overly suit everyone but I quite enjoyed it regardless.… Expand
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