A Walk in the Woods

Adapted from Bill Bryson's titular lighthearted 1998 memoir, filmmaker Ken Kwapis's A Walk in the Woods stars Robert Redford as travel writer Bryson, who tackles the Appalachian Trail in order to escape encroaching ennui. The scenic comedic drama begins in New Hampshire, where Bryson sets his sights on the daunting 2,180-mile trek from Georgia to Maine, while his sensible British wife (Emma Thompson) insists that he have a traveling companion. After canvassing his circle of friends, Bryson gets stuck with an old Iowa frenemy, disreputable Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte), a recovering, unrepentant alcoholic. The engaging rapport and cinematic camaraderie of these mismatched septuagenarians propels the plot. When Katz asks Bryson how he knows so much about trees, the latter replies, “From books. Books are TV for smart people.” Their wanderlust adventures include encounters with fellow hikers, such as obnoxious Mary Ellen (Kristen Schaal), and an overnight interlude at a trailside motel, where the genial proprietor (Mary Steenburgen) eyes Bryson, while Katz's laundromat flirtation incites a jealous husband's wrath. Although the contemplative story occasionally sags, this is an amiable amble, overall. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include behind-the-scenes segments on “The Appalachian Trail” (5 min.) and “Sounds” (5 min.), outtakes (3 min.), a “Take a Hike with a Legendary Cast” featurette (3 min.), a brief PSA with star Robert Redford, a “Take a Hike Trail Tips: Explore the Appalachian Trail” gallery, and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for an uneven if often engaging film.] (S. Granger)