A Walk in the Woods

File, “A Walk in The Woods” in the “What could have been” folder. Actor Robert Redford originally envisioned the film as an opportunity to reunite with Paul Newman, his “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “The Sting” co-star. Those two films won a total of 11 Oscars between them, including Best Picture for “The Sting,” and we can only speculate what could have been if Mr. Newman hadn’t become too ill to get involved with the project. The script collected dust on the shelf until Mr. Redford, who co-starred with Nick Nolte for the first time in 2013’s “The Company You Keep” felt he was perfect for the role intended for Mr. Newman.

We are introduced at the very beginning of the film to Bill Bryson (Robert Redford), a very successful author who decides, after the funeral of a friend, to challenge himself by hiking The Appalachian Trail. Catherine (Emma Thompson), his wife of 40 years, is strongly opposed to it, but knowing that he won’t take no for an answer gets him to agree to only go if he takes someone along. After many calls and many rejections, Stephen (Nick Nolte), an old friend Bill lost contact with many years before, suddenly calls and asks to join him on the hike. Once they set off on the trail, they encounter numerous situations, both physical and emotional, any of which could derail their quest to walk the entire trail and even endanger their lives.

Objectionable Issues

On a positive note, there is zero nudity, and the violence is extremely mild and, at times, comical. There are several mildly sexual situations and conversation in the film, but nothing is too overboard, although Stephen has clearly been a philanderer. The greatest issue with the film is its unusually high amount of curse words throughout. I counted 14 f**k, 18 s**t, 6 h*ll, 1 ba***d, 3 g*d d**m, 3 p***y, 1 bl***b, 2 b***h, and 2 b**bs. That definitely ruined, for me, what otherwise was a fine movie.

Positive Lessons

Bill and Stephen were once very close friends, having shared many an adventure together. As the years went by they grew apart and eventually lost touch. We discover Bill has been harboring some anger over money Stephen owes him. We see how this adventure helps Bill forgive Stephen, which is what the Bible teaches us to do.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you”. —Colossians 3:13

A married man, who is faced with unexpected flirtatious temptation, remains faithful to his wife. Hebrews 13:4 reminds us to “give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. He chooses to walk away from the situation rather then risk falling into the temptation.

The beauty of creation is pointed out, although, unfortunately, God isn’t given any credit for being the Creator.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth!” —Genesis 1:1

That part of the film could be used as a starting point towards sharing with someone how majestic God truly is.

This film is geared for an older, mature audience which isn’t easily offended by multiple instances of swearing and vulgarity. I would DEFINITELY NOT bring young children to see it.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Moderate

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