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There is only one question that you need to ask yourself before deciding to see “A Walk in the Woods”: Can you justify sitting through an utterly predictable and rather tame man vs. nature ramble in order to enjoy the affable odd-couple chemistry shared by Robert Redford and Nick Nolte ?

Certainly, it is hard to resist a rare opportunity to observe these seasoned septuagenarians go at it with gusto, especially considering that the only other time Redford and Nolte have been cast mates was in the barely-seen 2013 political thriller “ The Company You Keep .” Nowadays, the handsomely rough-hewn star of “North Dallas Forty” looks more like a ruddy-faced Yeti while the still-fit Sundance Kid is paying the price for all that ultraviolet glare on the ski slopes. But these guys still know how to not just hold our attention but grab it, even if their current film needs them more than they need it.

Redford, who is also a producer, initially planned on reteaming with buddy Paul Newman a decade or so ago when he began to piece together this project based on Bill Bryson ’s humor-filled 1998 account of his misadventures while hiking the 2,180-mile Appalachian Trail. A reunion with his sparring partner in “ Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid ” and “ The Sting ,” halted by Newman’s death in 2008, would have been a must-see event. But the ever-volatile and gravel-voiced Nolte and the perennially cool and smooth-talking Redford manage just fine as a bracing pair of fellow travelers.

The feminist in me initially planned to bash “A Walk in the Woods,“ directed in typical middle-of-the-road fashion by Ken Kwapis (“He’s Just Not That Into You”) with an unfortunate insistence on telegraphing almost every laugh. On what grounds? That both leads are at least 30 years too old for their roles since Bryson and his estranged reprobate pal, Stephen Katz , are 44 in the book.

Would Hollywood have allowed, say, Shirley MacLaine and Debbie Reynolds to headline “Bridemaids”? But then I recalled that Reese Witherspoon in last year’s “ Wild ” was more than 10 years older than the real Cheryl Strayed , who was 26 when she traversed the Pacific Crest Trail. Besides, genuine star power knows no expiration date and, without these esteemed seniors as a main attraction,“A Walk in the Woods” might have been unwatchable.

Whereas a solo Witherspoon in her Oscar-nominated role struggled with her inner demons as much as she did the elements, “A Walk in the Woods” is more about two unlikely acquaintances crossing paths again after a long-ago falling out caused their relationship to go astray. Redford’s wry Bryson, a popular writer of travelogues who is tired of resting on his considerable laurels while spending too much time writing forewords for other people’s books, is in a funk after attending a funeral. That is when he spies a marker for the Georgia-to-Maine trail near his New Hampshire home.

Against the wishes of his sensible British wife of 40 years ( Emma Thompson , under-used as a radiator of warmth), he decides on a whim to attempt this marathon test of endurance and picks Katz to join him – primarily because none of his other friends are crazy enough to say yes. Katz, based in Bryson’s native Iowa, claims that the fact that he has several outstanding warrants against him is the reason he has volunteered to huff and puff over hill and dale. But when this recovering alcoholic and unrepentant womanizer admires the tributes and accomplishments piled up in his Bryce’s den, it is clear Katz desires some sort of reconnection as well.

Considering that Nolte’s wheezy scalawag can barely stumble out of a small plane, matters move a tad slowly at first but eventually pick up. Bryson might be a thinker and Katz a talker, but unlike “Wild,” there are few deep revelations or bouts of philosophizing along the way. Instead, amusing incidents, encounters and mishaps pile up as the companions fill in the blanks of their personal histories. Be forewarned: There is an R-rated abundance of salty language, what with Bryson prone to expressing what a bear does in the woods and Katz’s committed embrace of the F-word, as well as non-explicit frisky business implied.

Occasionally, Kwapis slips in a shot of scenic splendor as a reminder of where we are. Bears put in a cameo along the way, as well as other such other natural hazards as rain, snow, mud and slippery slopes. Then there are annoyances of the human variety. Kristen Schaal is in her comedy comfort zone as a pushy chatterbox hiker who likes to flaunt her superior knowledge of three-season tents as she attempts to tag along with Bryce and Katz. Her appearance conveniently acts a bonding agent for the men as they conspire to ditch her.

Despite excusing the age discrepancy issue, I still recoiled now and then at how every female onscreen exists to simply serve the needs of the central male characters. I guess it makes sense that Nolte’s Katz has a Neanderthal’s notion of women, as revealed in his speech about the romantic options of an ugly sister, with being slutty as No. 1. An inveterate chubby chaser, his need to crack suggestive pancake remarks to a plus-size waitress is topped by his laundromat encounter over a pair of pink panties snagged in a washer with a local who he describes as “a beautiful body buried under 200 pounds of fat.” Meanwhile, Redford’s Bryce shares a flirtatious pas de deux with Mary Steenburgen ’s roadside motel proprietress but does not stray, much to Katz’s horndog chagrin.

One wonders what might have been if Newman were still around. Oddly enough, there is a scene that briefly summons memories of Butch and Sundance when the guys are trapped on a ledge and peer over a harrowing incline to see a body of water below. I kept hoping they would jump in together. But it was not to be.

Susan Wloszczyna

Susan Wloszczyna spent much of her nearly thirty years at USA TODAY as a senior entertainment reporter. Now unchained from the grind of daily journalism, she is ready to view the world of movies with fresh eyes.

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A Walk in the Woods (2015)

Rated R for language and some sexual references

104 minutes

Robert Redford as Bill Bryson

Nick Nolte as Katz

Emma Thompson as Catherine Bryson

Nick Offerman as REI Dave

Kristen Schaal as Mary Ellen

Bill Holderman
Bill Bryson

Cinematography

John Bailey

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A Walk in the Woods Reviews

Profound is definitely not a word that can be associated with A Walk in the Woods.

Full Review | Sep 13, 2021

Won't ever be mentioned in the same breath as any of Redford or Nolte's classic films - it's too silly and too obvious - but watching these two charismatic actors onscreen it's not hard to remember what we liked about them in the first place.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 3, 2021

(Redford and Nolte) make tired clichés feel like old friends, taking us on a pleasant stroll through the woods that may not lead anywhere, but we're having such a good time that the destination no longer matters.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 5, 2019

As an adaptation of Bill Bryson's writing A Walk in the Woods is disappointing, but there's still pleasure to be had in seeing two veteran actors taking a hike together.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | May 4, 2019

As beautiful, witty and serene as this story of self-discovery is, and as effortlessly as the veteran stars pull it off, I can't help but hope that Redford will take on a project with a bit more meat on the bone.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Dec 11, 2018

Redford, Nolte, and co. want us to leave with a profound sense of self and inspiration, they leave us instead with a fairly fun buddy-comedy in the woods. Still, it's worth the walk.

Full Review | Original Score: 5.5/10 | Oct 25, 2018

American Pie for nursing homes.

Full Review | Aug 29, 2018

They wander across the screen, and we gain no insight into their characters. The dialogue isn't funny or moving. Nothing is ventured, and nothing is gained.

Full Review | Aug 23, 2018

Worth sticking with for that, and to see Redford and Nolte spark off each other like the old pros they are.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 23, 2018

"A Walk in the Woods" makes you laugh and inspires you to reconnect with people and nature. It's truly a feel-good film.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 21, 2018

Tents collapse, bunkbeds give way and streams are there only for men-old-enough-to-know-better to fall into. Subtle it is not.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 26, 2017

It's enough to make those Grumpy Old Men movies seem like masterworks of grace and subtlety.

Full Review | Aug 21, 2017

[Walk in the Woods] is like watching your grandpa explore America, but when he starts to lecture, you realize it's time to leave the old man behind for the bears.

Full Review | Original Score: C+ | Aug 16, 2017

A Walk in the Woods isn't a spectacular film. It's just a good, simple, solid one. Pleasurable in the most unassuming way.

Full Review | Jun 27, 2017

[It's] more about the ebbs and flows of friendship than it is about the walk. And when the friends in question are a brace of ageing Hollywood heavyweights brimming with charisma, its no hardship to share time in their company.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 31, 2016

If you're in the mood for guys who resemble old furniture or aged whisky, bickering incessantly as they trek through miles of forest, A Walk in the Woods is just the thing.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jul 27, 2016

Darned if the film didn't ultimately work for me. Mostly, it was the fun of seeing these two veteran actors riff off each other.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jun 12, 2016

Inoffensive, unremarkable and mostly just a bit naff, this adaptation of Bill Bryson's memoir of walking the Appalachian Trail is about as good as it could possibly have hoped to be, which is to say not very good at all.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | May 4, 2016

A sitcom about old men creaking along the Appalachian Trail, reminiscing about slutty girls, and maybe having a stroke at any moment. You know, for fun.

Full Review | Apr 4, 2016

A Walk in the Woods is a big-hearted, endlessly funny and just plain likable survivalist-buddy-road-trip-comedy-drama that also has something to say.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 7, 2016

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A walk in the woods, common sense media reviewers.

Likable "old guy" comedy has great vistas, strong language.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Encourages older people to get out and try things,

Characters are highly flawed, but it's admirab

Angry man bangs on doors with a baseball bat. Fall

Strong innuendo, verbal sexual references, stories

Strong, fairly frequent language includes "f-

K-Mart is featured prominently in one sequence. A

Minor characters drink and drive. A character is a

Positive Messages

Encourages older people to get out and try things, and encourages people in general to see life in new ways -- i.e. that sometimes things aren't quite so black and white as we might think.

Positive Role Models

Characters are highly flawed, but it's admirable that they try something challenging at an age when they might be less likely to go outside their comfort zone.

Violence & Scariness

Angry man bangs on doors with a baseball bat. Falls from ledges. Chases. Pratfalls. Bears.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Strong innuendo, verbal sexual references, stories about sex. A couple kiss in a car; she disappears below the seat to give him (implied) oral sex. Flirting. Panties shown. A married man resists flirtations.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Strong, fairly frequent language includes "f--k," "s--t," "p---y," "son of a bitch," "goddamn," "damn," "blow job."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

K-Mart is featured prominently in one sequence. A Google search is shown.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Minor characters drink and drive. A character is a recovering alcoholic. He has a bottle of whisky, but resists drinking it. References to getting drunk.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that A Walk in the Woods is a dramedy -- based on Bill Bryson's nonfiction book -- about two older men (played by Robert Redford and Nick Nolte ) who decide to hike the Appalachian Trail. Language is the biggest issue, with frequent uses of "f--k" and "s--t," as well as strong sexual references/innuendo and stories of sexual exploits. An amorous couple kisses while driving a car, and she disappears below the seat to (it's implied) perform oral sex. There's some flirting, and a man gets in trouble with a married woman's husband, who wields a baseball bat. Characters fall off ledges, there's some arguing, and bears wander into a campsite. One character is a recovering alcoholic and tells stories of being drunk; he carries a bottle of whisky, but doesn't drink it. Minor characters are shown drinking and driving. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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Based on 2 parent reviews

Great potential, but ultimately disappointing

What's the story.

After living all over the world, travel writer Bill Bryson ( Robert Redford ) finds himself back in the United States, semi-retired, giving inane TV interviews and attending one funeral too many. He decides to hike the 2000+ mile Appalachian Trail, despite warnings that he's too old and could die. His wife ( Emma Thompson ) agrees, on the condition that he not go alone; the only friend crazy enough to volunteer for the adventure is grizzled ex-alcoholic Stephen Katz ( Nick Nolte ). On their journey, the two hikers encounter everything from rain, snow, and mud to annoying fellow hikers, angry husbands, hungry bears, and tricky ledges. But they also find a few majestic places and quiet moments that remind them of what it means to be alive.

Is It Any Good?

While this movie could have been an overly earnest drama or an embarrassing slapstick farce, it settles somewhere comfortably in between. It's inconsequential, but it should please fans of codger comedies. Director Ken Kwapis , a veteran of TV series and lightweight comedies, mainly keeps things on an even keel. Even if Kristen Schaal (as an annoying hiker) and Susan McPhail (as a cheating wife) are witless diversions, the movie usually veers back on the trail quickly enough.

Potential dramatic pitfalls are handled lightly or simply left behind. The wonderful Mary Steenburgen plays a hotel proprietress who makes eyes at Bryson, and Katz has a close call with an alcoholic episode. The movie's strength is in the relationship between the two men, with Nolte's comically gruff performance providing the anchor. They sometimes argue and other times share memories, but their bond is largely unexplained and unspoken.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how A Walk in the Woods portrays its main characters. Why do you think there are so few movies and TV shows that feature older characters? Teens: Does seeing a mostly 60-and-up cast make you not want to see a movie? Why?

How does Nick Nolte's character deal with his alcoholism ? Does his method make sense? When is it OK for kids to watch movies with drinking, drugs, and smoking?

Do you think that the characters "cheated," or did they really get something out of their experience? What's the benefit of finishing the entire trail rather than experiencing part of it? Why is it important to try new things, at every age?

Movie Details

In theaters : September 4, 2015
On DVD or streaming : December 29, 2015
Cast : Robert Redford , Nick Nolte , Emma Thompson
Director : Ken Kwapis
Studio : Broad Green Pictures
Genre : Comedy
Topics : Friendship
Run time : 104 minutes
MPAA rating : R
MPAA explanation : language and some sexual references
Last updated : June 16, 2024

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Broad Green Pictures

Summary Travel writer Bill Bryson (Robert Redford), instead of retiring to enjoy his loving and beautiful wife (Emma Thompson) and large and happy family, challenges himself to hike the Appalachian Trail - 2,200 miles of America’s most unspoiled, spectacular and rugged countryside from Georgia to Maine. The peace and tranquility he hopes to find ... Read More

Directed By : Ken Kwapis

Written By : Michael Arndt, Bill Holderman, Bill Bryson

A Walk in the Woods

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'A Walk in the Woods': EW review

Robert Redford takes a hike, literally, in a genial broad-strokes comedy based on writer Bill Bryson’s 1998 account of his attempt to walk the Appalachian Trail. At 79, Redford is three decades older than Bryson was at the time, but he still has a rugged vitality—and that signature swirl of cinnamon hair. Nick Nolte, as his reluctant companion, is markedly less fit: He looks and sounds like a bear woken up mid-hibernation. Their odd couple interplay propels a series of shambling, expletive-laden mishaps that aim more for easy laughs than Wild epiphanies . B

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Robert Redford Hasn’t Been In A TV Show For 60 Years, But He’s Involved In A Current Underrated Series

“this is so stupid”: a 5-year-old movie de-aged robert redford in the most ridiculous way (& got away with it), stephen king's review of netflix's new 64% rt horror movie perfectly explains why it's a streaming hit.

A Walk in the Woods i s a 2015 movie based on Bill Bryson's true story of hiking the Appalachian Trail with his friend Stephen Katz.
The film accurately portrays Bryson's struggles on the trail, but it also takes some liberties with what happened.
The real Bryson returned to the trail alone after ending his journey with Katz, completing a total of 850 miles out of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail.

A Walk in the Woods is based on Bill Bryson's true story and follows his real attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. The 2015 biographic movie comes from director Ken Kwapis and stars Robert Redford and Nick Nolte in the main roles of Bill Bryson and Stephen Katz. It follows their journey together, an adventure that throws obstacles at them, as they don't know what to expect. The film portrays the real story quite accurately, but similar to other biopics, it takes some liberties with what actually happened .

A Walk in the Woods, which had been in development for almost a decade, premiered in 2015. It's based on Bryson's travel book of the same name, which he published in 1998. In the spring and summer of 1996, Bryson attempted to hike the Appalachian Train. Both the movie and the book reflect his struggles in this endeavor. Redford and Nolte aren't the only big names in the film. The cast of A Walk in the Woods also includes Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen, Nick Offerman, and Kristen Schaal, who also portray characters based on real people.

Robert Redford next to Dark Winds poster

Robert Redford appeared in several TV shows at the beginning of his career, and now he’s returned to working on a small-screen project.

How Old Bill Bryson Was When He Walked The Appalachian Trail

Bill bryson was actually in his 40s.

The real Bryson is a British-American journalist and author. He embarked on the thru-hike of the 2,000+ mile Appalachian Trail extending from Georgia to Maine in 1996. At the time of his hike, he was 44 years old . He wrote about his journey in A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail , which was published in 1998.

Redford was 79 when A Walk in the Woods was filmed, marking a significant departure from the true story. The film's production was originally supposed to start in 2004, reuniting Redford with Paul Newman , his Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting costar. Unfortunately, Newman passed away in 2008, and the film had to be delayed. By the time production started, Redford was already in his 70s.

Bryson's Friend Stephen Katz Joined Him On His Hike, Starting In Georgia

Stephen katz was played by nick nolte.

Nick Nolte as Stephen Katz in A Walk in the Woods Looking Up

In A Walk in the Woods , Bryson's wife, Catherine (whose real name is Cynthia Billen), pushed him to have someone join him on the trail. Bryson picked Katz, his estranged middle school friend, after most of his friends declined the offer. In reality, Bryson was terrified of walking the trail alone and invited his friends to join him . They all refused, and Katz reached out.

Bryson and Katz grew up together and traveled around Europe when they were young, just like the movie shows. Katz was a pseudonym in the movie and Bryson's book, and his real identity was secret for years. He was also mentioned in Bryson's Neither Here nor There . The real Katz's name is actually Matthew Angerer (via Dayton Daily News ). He was from Des Moines, Iowa, just like in the movie, and he passed away at 71 on June 22, 2023. When he joined Bryson on the Trail, he was also 44, younger than Nolte's A Walk in the Woods character. Nolte was 73 when filming the movie in 2014.

Why Bill & Stephen Skipped Part Of The Trail & Ended The Hike Early

They weren't even halfway there.

Robert Redford as Bill Bryson and Nick Nolte as Stephen Katz in A Walk in the Woods Looking at a Map

Bryson and Katz never hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, which is more than 2,190 miles long (via Appalachian Trail Conservancy ). In one go, the hike lasts approximately five to seven months. They hiked for what felt like a long distance, but they realized they were barely in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The two accepted that the journey was too much for them and skipped a huge section of the trail , starting again in Roanoke, Virginia. In his book, Bryson shared his desire for easier terrain, which is partly why he and Katz abandoned the full hike. Bryson went on a book tour after, while Katz returned to Des Moines to work.

Bill & Stephen Reunited To Walk The Hundred-Mile Wilderness In Maine

The journey wasn't done.

Robert Redford as Bill Bryson and Nick Nolte as Stephen Katz in A Walk in the Woods Walking the Trail

At the end of A Walk in the Woods , Bryson and Katz separate, with both going home. When he returns, Redford's Bryson goes into the study, opens a few letters, and reads the postcards Katz sent him while on the Appalachian Trail. What A Walk in the Woods' movie leaves out is that the pair later reunited to walk the trail again . The real Bryson and Katz got together to tackle the Hundred Mile Wilderness in Maine that August.

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Bryson and Katz found it hard to readjust, and they only made it 15 miles into the trail before growing unhappy. The two talked about Katz's drinking problem, and Bryson offered to go ahead and find water. When he came back, he couldn't find Katz and spent hours looking for him. He found him disheveled and covered in blood the day after. Bryson and Katz decided to end their journey there, in a town called Milo, instead of going to the summit of Mount Katahdin as they’d planned.

How Much Of The Appalachian Trail Bill Bryson Actually Walked

Bryson returned to the trail alone.

Robert Redford as Bill Bryson and Nick Nolte as Stephen Katz in A Walk in the Woods After a Break

Although the movie doesn't show what happened after the two end their journey, the real Bryson returned to the Appalachian Trail over the course of June and July 1996 by car , exploring the parts between Virginia, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. He also attempted to reenter the trail in Pennsylvania, but he drove around and couldn't find its access route. Bryson completed other hikes in the upcoming month after separating from Katz again, ending his journey with the trail on Mount Killington in Vermont. In total, he hiked 850 miles of the almost 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail .

How Successful Bill Bryson's A Walk In The Woods Book Was In Real Life

A walk in the woods became a bestseller.

Robert Redford as Bill Bryson in A Walk in the Woods Looking at the Computer

At the end of A Walk in the Woods , Redford's Bryson opens up a new document and types the title of his upcoming book. Bryson published his travel book of the same name in 1998, and it became a success, receiving praise for its environmental themes and emphasis on conserving America's forests. Although it would've been difficult to depict in a movie, the book combines Bryson's adventures with comedy and broader discussions about the Appalachian Trail's history, sociology, geography, ecology, and conservation status. Bryson was already successful in the U.K. prior to A Walk in the Woods , but his new book made him well-known in the U.S. as well.

While on the trail, Bryson was unsure what he could write about, as there were times when nothing happened, as the routine was focused on walking, eating, and sleeping. Eventually, he wrote it anyway, changing Angerer's character into a more comedic personality. The book was a success. It hit the New York Times bestseller list, staying on it for 35 weeks. A Walk in the Woods became the most-rated book about the Appalachian Trail and CNN named it the funniest travel book ever written. Its response wasn't all good, as it also received some criticism from members of the Appalachian Trail community.

Source: Dayton Daily News , Appalachian Trail Conservancy , CNN

A Walk in the Woods

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DVD & Streaming

A Walk in the Woods

Content caution.

In Theaters

September 2, 2015
Robert Redford as Bill Bryson; Nick Nolte as Stephen Katz; Emma Thompson as Catherine Bryson; Mary Steenburgen as Jeannie; Nick Offerman as REI Dave; Kristen Schaal as Mary Ellen

Home Release Date

December 29, 2015

Distributor

Broad Green Productions

Movie Review

There’s nothing like a nice walk to clear your head a little. But 2,000 miles? Might be overdoing it a touch.

Bill Bryson doesn’t think so, though. The celebrated author has a lot on his mind, after all.

He’s written lots of popular books, but the media grind is getting to him. His contemporaries are starting to die off. Sure, he’s had a pretty fantastic, fulfilling life … but he’s not ready to put a bow on it just yet. Bryson has a few more miles left in him, and the Appalachian Trail—all 2,180 miles and 14 states of it—seems just the ticket.

There are a few hurdles to clear. “You haven’t hiked in 30 years,” his wife, Catherine, reminds him. “Isn’t this something you could do in the Volvo?” He’s got to buy reams of newfangled camping equipment, too. Oh, and he has to find somebody he can walk with —and frankly, most of his friends would rather juggle live hedgehogs than spend who knows how many months hiking around who knows where just so Bryson can find whatever’s left of himself. Only Stephen Katz, one of Bryson’s oldest and most annoying friends, volunteers to go—even though Bryson didn’t actually invite him.

“Didn’t you end up getting on each other’s nerves?” Catherine asks gently.

“We started out on each other’s nerves,” Bryson corrects. “We ended up despising each other.”

Katz was a drunken, womanizing careening wreck of a man well on his way to a felony when Bryson best knew him, and he’s not changed much since. If Bryson’s looking to outrun time, Katz is looking to outrun a couple of outstanding warrants. Not that either can run very fast.

Still, the two fly down to Georgia to start their multi-season trek through America’s great hills and forests. It’s a brutal experience testing both body and soul: the lung-busting inclines, the unpredictable weather, the eerie loneliness, the step after step after endless step.

But, hey, the first mile’s the hardest, right? Just 2,179 to go.

Positive Elements

Bryson and Katz may not be much alike, but they do (finally) find things to like about each other. Bryson knows he could use a little of Katz’s spontaneity. Katz respects what Bryson has done with his life. And even though Katz at first has little use for Bryson’s long-winded nature lectures and Bryson’s embarrassed by Katz’s wild stories, each grows to appreciate and value the other’s perspective. “You know, Bryson,” Katz finally tells him, “You’re the only guy I’d risk my life with.”

They surprise each other with some admirable maturity, too. Judging by Katz’s stories, you get the feeling Bryson was something of a randy ladies’ man back in the day. And when Bryson insists he’s been faithful to Catherine for the decades they’ve been married, Katz is skeptical at first. But it’s true: Not even the longing eyes of a pretty hotel proprietor can entice Bryson away from his vows. Katz, meanwhile, is a recovering alcoholic: He hasn’t had a drop to drink in years. And when Bryson has reason to doubt him, Katz proves his commitment to sobriety.

Spiritual Elements

Bryson and Catherine attend a funeral at a church.

Sexual Content

Katz meets and flirts with a woman at a Laundromat. He’s wearing only what looks to be a plastic poncho (while the rest of his clothes are being washed), and the two trade winks and nods about her shredded panties (caught in the machine). He later tells Bryson he plans to meet her again since he’s feeling a “stiffening of the old resolve.” But then her husband “interferes,” prompting Katz to marvel that the two people in the world who would actually sleep with the quite overweight woman are both in the same town. Katz tells Bryson his criteria for a woman is that she has “a heartbeat and a full set of limbs.” Bryson immediately quips that while most people’s standards go down as they get older, Katz’s actually went up.

Bryson, meanwhile, strikes up a conversation with a hotel propriettress named Jeannie. He goes to the office in his bathrobe and asks for towels, and the two spend a great deal of time talking, and perhaps flirting a bit. It’s clear there’s an attraction there, but Bryson has no interest in cheating on his wife: He calls her and leaves messages, telling her he loves her. He tells Katz about how wonderful all her strange little habits are. And when the two are reunited, both are clearly thrilled. Not that Bryson’s monogamy impresses Katz. “That can’t be good for you,” he says.

Bryson and Katz clearly did their share of carousing when they were younger. There are allusions to sexual escapades, oral sex, female body parts and brushes with venereal diseases.

Violent Content

The hubby of the laundry lady Katz has a crush on seems intent on either hurting or killing the guy. In an effort to dissuade Bryson from taking the trip, Catherine shows him a variety of fearsome and grotesque stories from the Appalachian Trail—about bear attacks, frozen corpses and murder. Bryson and Katz do stumble and fall a couple of times, getting soaked in a stream the first time, tumbling from the trail and getting stuck on a ledge the second. There’s a half-joking reference to suicide.

Crude or Profane Language

At least a baker’s dozen of f-words. Nearly 20 s-words. The field of other profanities that sprouts along the trail includes “a–,” “b–ch,” “b–tard,” “h—” and “p—ies”). God’s name is misused at least 15 times, most often with “d–n.” Jesus’ name is abused nearly that many times.

Drug and Alcohol Content

As mentioned, Katz says he’s given up alcohol, and his abstinence surprises Bryson when they order drinks at a restaurant. When hearing that Katz is going to have a Coke, Bryson amends his own order for the “tallest, coldest beer on the menu” to a Coke, too. But Bryson begins to doubt his friend when he discovers a bottle of whiskey in Katz’s backpack.

The two stop on a ledge, with hills and valleys full of trees stretching out as far as the eye can see. “I love to drink,” Katz admits. “I love everything about it.” But he knows he can’t ever stop with just one. He has been sober, Katz insists. The bottle—unopened—is for him both a symbol that he can stay dry … and a crutch in case he can’t. And with that, he asks Bryson to open it. Bryson does and hands the whiskey to Katz, who smells it, smiles, and pours it out on the rock. “That was a nice moment,” he says, then quickly adds that he’s already regretting dumping it out. (Interestingly, in the book this movie is based on, Katz does indeed fall off the wagon. Not so onscreen.)

Other Negative Elements

There are several references to burying one’s own organic refuse. (We see special shovels designed to dig small holes for the purpose.) Katz and Bryson shake off another annoying hiker.

I’ve always been drawn to the idea of long walks. Not enough to do one, mind you, but I’ve always felt there’s a spiritual element to walking and hiking—to glory in God’s creation while allowing a few more of our petty, manmade cares to sluff off our shoulders with each step. Nature can even feel like church sometimes, with birds supplying the worship music and lichen padding the pews.

This movie, on the other hand, is not very much like church at all. Because as primed as I am to like movies like A Walk in the Woods —as much as it might make me want to take a couple of months off to hike through the mountains of Colorado—there’s more to movies than just vibe. (Or even having fun laughing at Robert Redford trying to make you laugh.)

Despite some of the light one-liners and nice messages about friends and family, there are also quite a few content concerns here. You know, like the foul language Redford and Nolte toss back and forth. And the sexual allusions, too. Those things aren’t worth walking very far for—even if it’s just across the multiplex parking lot.

Paul Asay has been part of the Plugged In staff since 2007, watching and reviewing roughly 15 quintillion movies and television shows. He’s written for a number of other publications, too, including Time, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. The author of several books, Paul loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment, and he loves all things superhero. His vices include James Bond films, Mountain Dew and terrible B-grade movies. He’s married, has two children and a neurotic dog, runs marathons on occasion and hopes to someday own his own tuxedo. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @AsayPaul.

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‘A Walk in the Woods’ Review: Robert Redford and Nick Nolte Take a Hike, Forced Wackiness Ensues

Two old codgers get a crazy idea that leads exactly where you would expect in Bill Bryson’s adapted memoir

If you think man-crack is the apex of hilarity, “A Walk in the Woods” just might be the movie for you. It’s all right there in the trailers: slapstick, womp-womp one-liners, the premise of old buddies going on an adventure. See some moon or your money back!

So it’s surprising when the opening minutes show promise, thanks to an incredibly preserved Robert Redford, who plays accomplished travel writer Bill Bryson. Even more of a surprise is learning that this film is based on a memoir. While you’re viewing the film — and guessing at the next moment of hijinks — you imagine the studio had a lot of notes.

Either that, or the real Bryson has lived a sitcom life. After attending a funeral, Bill goes for a walk and is inspired to hike the Appalachian Trail, a trip on which concerned wife ( Emma Thompson ) insists that he take a friend. Both at the funeral and in the opening scene — Bill’s trying to survive a torturous television interview — Redford’s facial expressions and quips convey genuine wit and humor. He soon goes head-to-head with Nick Offerman ‘s hiking gear salesman; another joke lands. Maybe this won’t be so bad.

Once Nick Nolte , as Bill’s college friend Stephen, shows up to join him on the hike, expectations plummet. Stephen is a cartoon: he talks as if his mouth were full of cotton; he limps off the plane and then tells Bill he needs to eat every hour or else he’ll get seizures. The beginning of their trip is a joke (but not the kind of joke this movie needs), with Katz huffing and puffing, barely able to walk, and needing to rest after a quarter-mile.

So where does director Ken Kwapis (“He’s Just Not That Into You”) and a trio of writers (one uncredited) take them from there? In last year’s Oscar-nominated “Wild,” flashbacks were effectively used to break up the protagonist’s hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. But “A Walk in the Woods” decides to go for — nay, strain for — antics. You can hear the brainstorming: What can we have happen to them? Bears, for one. Falling into a creek, definitely. Getting caught in snow and rainstorms. Umm … how about making a woman’s husband ragingly jealous of Katz?

Yes, Katz, who meets said woman in a laundromat while wearing garbage bags and looking like the red-faced aftermath into which Nolte can easily transform. She flirts first, of course.

Let’s talk about the woman’s size for a moment. She’s big. She’s really big. And that makes her a target for mockery, with Katz effectively saying he’s the only guy who’d want to sleep with her. Previously, Katz remarked that their waitress, another woman of size, was attractive. No insult followed, but it was meant to reflect the film’s notion that he’s got a profoundly skewed vision of the world. And Katz’s own fatness is mined for laughs: He’s on the top bunk, look out!

Needless to say, most of these moments — particularly the joke about how no one’s likely attracted to Laundromat Lady — are mean-spirited in a film that seems out for innocent goofs. If such details are in Bryson’s memoir, well, the guy’s a jerk. After that ugliness, “A Walk in the Woods” needed only one more pratfall to officially fail.

Redford’s Bill (whom Katz calls “Bryson”) at least comes off like a realistic person, and he still earns a laugh or two after the trek begins. But Katz is lazily drawn: all those vulnerabilities and impediments disappear after the yuks have been wrung out of them. He’s magically a real live man! And boy, is Nolte’s dialogue (here’s hoping it wasn’t improv) unnatural: When you’re with an old pal, do you use his or her name in every sentence? “Well, Bryson…” “The thing is, Bryson…” “Hey Bryson?” (as if anyone else is within hearing distance). Once you notice it, you can’t stop noticing it.

Even the wackiest comedies can’t be wacky all the time, though. And you can see this film’s big-picture lesson coming an Appalachian Trail away. Then again, that man-crack was telegraphed, too.

A Walk In The Woods Review

Producer and star Robert Redford has been working for a decade to bring Bill Bryson’s 1998 memoir to the screen, finally attaching co-star Nick Nolte and director Ken Kwapis in 2013. The leisurely paced adventure follows Bryson (Redford) and his old friend Stephen Katz (Nolte) as they attempt to hike all 2200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, taking on the mammoth challenge despite their old age (their characters are considerably older than the real Bryson when he set out on his journey).

Unfortunately it appears that any excitement over this adaptation was sadly misplaced. The “odd couple on the trail” dynamic manages to coax out a few easy laughs along the way but neither display anything close to their finest work.

Redford’s performance rarely strays from the beaten path of straight-faced contemplation, except for an exaggerated double take every now and then, and shows very little of Bill Bryson’s signature wit. Nolte wheezes and rambles through a single, throaty vocal chord, providing the lion’s share of the light comedic smattering on offer.

Armed with rich source material and a stunning variety of locations, the greatest shame is how A Walk In The Woods lacks any real cinematic magnificence, failing to capture the beauty of the Great American Wilderness.

In comparison to Wild – its youthful, West Coast rival – Kwapis’ film is missing the expansive sense of its environment, feeling drab and styleless rather than vivid and dynamic (a sequence that is clearly shot in a studio is particularly uneasy on the eyes).

This tiredness extends into the characters and their dialogue, leaving a story that could have shown real depth to wallow on the surface, never managing to dig much deeper into its leading men.

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A Walk In The Woods

You’d have to be quite a cynic to really hate A Walk In The Woods . Even at its most mundane and tepid, you can’t help but be caught in some form of nostalgic appreciation because you’re watching Robert Redford and Nick Nolte share the screen together. Unfortunately, despite the two acting titans managing to eke out heart and humanity from their characters in a subtle and unique fashion, Redford and Nolte aren’t able to stop this adaptation from being wholly unremarkable and, ultimately, forgettable.

Which is a shame, because A Walk In The Woods actually breezes out of the blocks in a forthright, funny, and even slightly profound fashion. Redford stars as author Bill Bryson, who -- after living in Great Britain for 20 years and forging a successful literary career -- has been back in New Hampshire for a decade. Now in his early 60’s, Bryson is looking for his next adventure, which is when he stumbles upon The Appalachian Trail.

Now, for those of you who don’t know, The Appalachian Trail runs 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, crossing through 12 other states along the way. In other words, it’s a hell of walk. Heartened by the serendipitous discovery of the path, Bryson decides that he is going to try and walk it. But after being repeatedly reminded of his age and informed of the many pitfalls that come with walking the trail by his wife (who is gloriously played by the always majestic Emma Thompson ), Bryson looks for a companion for his trip. This eventually comes in the form of Nick Nolte’s Stephen Katz, an old friend with whom he travelled around Europe 20 years earlier, and who, rather than being invited, actually invites himself along for the journey.

There’s our issue. Or, one of them, at least. A Walk In The Woods fails to blossom into a worthwhile film for the simple reason that when Robert Redford and Nick Nolte actually set out on their hike into the wilderness, it loses its momentum. Early on, director Ken Kwapis is able to set up interesting thematic content, such as Redford’s character having a legacy, and facing mortality. But rather than this being done in a morbid fashion, Redford provides warmth and laughs as the cranky but driven Bryson. Plus, he also gets sterling help from Nick Offerman and Emma Thompson. Did I tell you I love Emma Thompson? I don’t care if I already did; it deserves to be said twice.

The arrival of Nick Nolte and his slightly over-the-top approach to comedy adds to A Walk In The Woods’ momentum early on, and there’s hope that it could be a touching and amusing tale that caters to an audience that Hollywood usually ignores. Heck, after having Thompson, Nolte, and Redford warm my cockles with their little, genuine touches of acting, I was dreaming Walk could have been a Sideways for pensioners.

Unfortunately though, once the pair hit the trail, the film loses all of its rhythm and almost instantly becomes stagnate. Kwapis fails to take advantage of the breath-taking scenes at his disposal, and you can’t help but feel that the film is being shot in Redford’s back garden. A Walk In The Woods ’ script also fails to gel, and instead, scenes just bounce off each other, while it lacks any punch or genuine peril. Instead, it’s just two old men slowly walking and bickering. For nearly two hours.

Even the arrival of the always-watchable Kristen Schaal fails to provide any mirth or enjoyment. Punch lines and call-back jokes fall flat, while any discussions on mortality, legacy, alcoholism, the perils of the woods or education that were previously threatened are either cast aside or handled in a pretentious and preachy manner. There’s also a severely misplaced threat of romance between Redford’s Bryson and Mary Steenburgen’s hotel owner that is simply bizarre. That might just be my devotion to Emma Thompson talking, though.

But, still, come the end I couldn’t help but feel a wave of contented sentimentality for simply being in the presence of two acting masters for close to two hours. It’s just a shame that, after taking several wrong turns of its own, A Walk In The Woods ultimately failed to provide them with the material to truly showcase their unerring talents. An inoffensive waste.

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'A Walk in the Woods' review: Robert Redford's fallen and he can't get up

Updated: Sep. 01, 2015, 7:00 a.m. |
Published: Sep. 01, 2015, 6:00 a.m.
Jeff Baker | The Oregonian/OregonLive

A Walk in the Woods

Robert Redford and Nick Nolte in "A Walk in the Woods."

(Broad Green Pictures)

Appalachian Trail officials are worried about a surge of hikers after the release of "A Walk in the Woods," the Robert Redford movie based on Bill Bryson's bestselling book. It happened with "Wild": applications for permits to hike the length of the Pacific Crest Trail skyrocketed after the success of Cheryl Strayed's book and the movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

But fear not, lovers of the AT -- the only stampede caused by "A Walk in the Woods" will be from moviegoers crowding the aisles and trying to hike out of theaters as quickly as possible after suffering through this lame excuse for a movie. It's not "Wild," it's mild.

There's a better chance of being killed by a black bear than enjoying "A Walk in the Woods." Since only 14 people in the continental U.S. died from black bear attacks in a 109-year period, those are some long odds. Fatal attacks by mountain goats are pretty rare, too, but Nick Nolte looks like a mountain goat and growls like a bear, so that evens it up a little.

What's funny isn't the rate of mountain goat attacks -- even one is too many, we can all agree on that -- but the fact that Nolte, a-huffin' and a-puffin' and a-cussin' like Yosemite Sam, is the best thing in "A Walk in the Woods." He's completely convincing as an out-of-shape slob, and he flashes some real emotion -- resentment, anger, tenderness -- in his scenes with Redford, who acts as stone-faced and immobile as George Washington on Mt. Rushmore.

Redford plays Bryson, a successful, erudite writer with a restless urge to challenge himself before complacency grips him tightly in his rocking chair. The Appalachian Trail is right outside his New Hampshire home, and it doesn't look all that tough from the living room. Emma Thompson (age difference with Redford: 22 years) plays his level-headed wife, who points out that he's old (true) and there are bears (true, but see above). She insists he bring someone with him and after exhausting the options, he gets a call from his dissolute friend Stephen Katz (Nolte), who's heard about the trip and invites himself along.

Bryson's a gifted writer whose books on the history of language and science show a love of research, something he didn't think to do before hitting the trail. Getting in shape, getting the right equipment and field-testing it, doing some practice hikes ... why bother? This ineptitude leads to one amusing scene in an REI that Nick Offerman steals from Redford and Nolte.

Once they get in the woods, the veteran actors bicker like two senior citizens grabbing for the last dessert in the buffet line. Nolte, the junior partner, does his part but the timing is off and the fault lies with Redford, always a beat slow. They shake off a persistent goofball on the trail (Kristin Schaal, another scene-stealer) and have an awkward time in a small town, where Redford fends off an advance from a hotel owner played by Mary Steenburgen (age difference from Redford: 17 years). The low point is an accident and a long, long take on a ledge that a 4-year-old could figure out. Put your foot there, and grab that branch, I wanted to scream as the actors squabbled and pouted away.

Redford wanted to make "A Walk in the Woods" for himself and Paul Newman but Newman wisely decided he was too old. Nolte was the right choice as Katz but too much time passed. Bryson was in his early 40s when he attempted the AT; Redford is too old for the part, and somebody should have said so. It doesn't help that director Ken Kwapis stages everything like a sitcom, has no sense of pace, and buries the theme of late-life friendship under a haze of sentiment and trail dust. "A Walk in the Woods" could be called "I Need a Walker to Get to the Woods." It's a good walk spoiled.

"A Walk in the Woods"

Grade: D-plus

Running time: 98 minutes

Playing at: Opens Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Cast and crew: Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen, Kristen Schaal, Nick Offerman. Written by Rick Kerb and William Holderman, based on the book by Bill Bryson. Directed by Ken Kwapis.

The lowdown: Redford and Nolte attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail with disastrous results.

-- Jeff Baker

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A Walk in the Woods movie review: ramble on and on

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R emember Wild , in which Reese Witherspoon hikes a demanding thousand-mile-long Pacific Coast trail because her life is a mess and she needs to recenter herself and find a way through all her many troubles to a new beginning? A Walk in the Woods is exactly like that… except it’s about a privileged old guy who has everything and whose life is in great shape but he’s feeling, you know, a little blah, so why not walk the entire Appalachian Trail?

Robert Redford ( Truth ) is writer Bill Bryson, and he is joined on this “one last adventure” by an old pal, Stephen Katz, played by Nick Nolte ( Return to Sender ), who looks terrifyingly unhealthy, like he might burst an artery at any moment. Alarmingly, much of the humor here — for this is intended to be a comedy — tends toward “isn’t it hilarious how ominously near a stroke Katz might be?” when it isn’t about Katz pointing out how every misadventure they run into on the trail will be great in Bryson’s book about their hike, which prompts Bryson to testily snap that he’s not writing a book. (Note: This movie is based on Bryson’s book about their hike.)

Mostly, this is a sitcom about creaky old men reminiscing about slutty girls they once knew, occasionally witnessing slutty girls in action (women who like sex are held up for comic ridicule here), and once in a while running out on nice ladies, like poor Mary Steenburgen’s ( The Help ) motel owner, for whom the guys leave behind damage and an unpaid bill. Charming. Oh, and, spoiler (not really): they quit the trail halfway through, having learned just about nothing at all.

See also my #WhereAreTheWomen rating of A Walk in the Woods for its representation of girls and women .

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It is pretty much exactly what you’d expect from a Hollywood remake of Wild for a male audience. Which is worth some small amount of amusement; I’ll take it where I can get it.

Er, the book this movie was based on was published in 1998 and existed long before anyone ever heard of either Wild or the 2012 book upon which Wild was based. However, it does seem like an amazing coincidence that Hollywood suddenly felt the need to make the Bryson book into a movie last year. After all, it’s not like Bill Bryson’s previous books have generated a lot of interest from Hollywood.

I wasn’t suggesting the book was derivative, just that the filmmakers looked at the success of Wild and thought “we want some of that”.

And without understanding why *Wild* was so important.

Well, y’know, like Wild but without all that icky girl stuff.

Just shows how easy the job of film production is, that people can do crap like this and still make money at it.

Given what I’ve read of Bill Bryson’s work, that sounds like what I’d expect.

Eminently miss-able.

I haven’t yet read A Walk in the Woods but I have read other books by the same author, and while I have yet to read a Bill Bryson book that I really hated, I must also admit that I have yet to read a book by him that I was all that eager to read again. He keeps getting good reviews for his work so someone obviously likes him; however, I prefer to think of his books as an acquired taste that I have chosen not to acquire.

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A Walk in the Woods | Trailer & Movie Site | AVAILABLE ON VOD, DIGITAL HD, & DVD DECEMBER 29.

“A WALK IN THE WOODS is a jolly good time, sparking dozens of chuckles and a few strong laughs.” TODD MCCARTHY

“Funny, deeply moving and poignant!” SCOTT MANTZ

“I really, really loved it. Both funny and poignant.” LARRY KING

“One of the year’s best Buddy Movies—Redford and Nolte capture perfectly the familiarity, frustration, and ultimate delights of a long-term, grownup friendship.” MEG GRANT

“Something for everyone — laughter, love and thrills!” ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT

A Walk in the Woods: The True Story of Bill Bryson and Stephen Katz

Films that leave us with a sense of joy and elation often linger in our memories, imprinting themselves as lasting cinematic experiences. A similar feeling is induced while watching ‘A Walk in the Woods’ which follows the story of Bill Bryson, who, feeling the weight of age and a desire for adventure, decides to hike the Appalachian Trail. Faced with the daunting task of navigating over 2,000 miles of rugged terrain, Bryson’s plans become more challenging when his older, and not-so-physically fit friend Stephen enthusiastically volunteers to join him. The two embark on the journey with vastly different levels of hiking experience, leading to a series of comical and challenging encounters.

Directed by Ken Kwapis, ‘A Walk in the Woods’ is an exploration of friendship, self-discovery, and the transformative power of nature. Robert Redford delivers a compelling performance as Bill Bryson, capturing the essence of a man’s journey with age and rediscovery. Nick Nolte, portraying Stephen Katz, adds depth and humor to the narrative, creating a dynamic on-screen duo. The film’s stellar cast also includes the talents of Emma Thompson, Nick Offerman, and Mary Steenburgen, whose nuanced performances contribute to the movie’s emotional resonance.

The Real People of A Walk in the Woods

Based on a true story, ‘A Walk in the Woods’ brings to the screen the real-life journey of Bill Bryson. The screenplay, penned by writers Michael Arndt and Bill Holderman, draws inspiration from Bryson’s widely acclaimed travel memoir of the same name. Bill Bryson, a popular travel writer, chronicles his humorous and challenging attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail in the memoir, providing rich source material for the film.

In the book, Bryson faces a myriad of challenges, from the physical demands of the rugged terrain to encounters with the idiosyncrasies of the wilderness. Despite the formidable hurdles, Bill and Stephen managed to cover a significant portion of the trail, conquering 870 miles out of the 2,200-mile stretch they had originally set out to traverse. Bryson openly acknowledged that when he embarked on the Appalachian Trail, his initial motive was to document the experience for a book. However, as the arduous journey unfolded, he found much more than a narrative; he discovered resilience, friendship, and a deeper understanding of himself.

Bryson and Stephen Katz shared a connection that stretched back to their school days at Callanan and Roosevelt schools in Des Moines. Bryson delved into his memories of those Des Moines years in his memoir, ‘The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid,’ where he wrote about his experiences with Stephen Katz. For a considerable period, the true identity of Stephen Katz remained shrouded in mystery. It wasn’t until around 2015 that the revelation emerged that Stephen Katz was a pseudonym, and the genuine name of Bryson’s old friend was Matt Angerer.

Angerer and Bryson embarked on numerous adventures together, including a memorable journey to Turkey filled with laughter and camaraderie. Despite their shared escapades, life led them to different shores — Bryson settling in England while Angerer made his home in the United States. However, a significant challenge loomed over Angerer’s life; he grappled with a persistent drinking problem that proved resistant to multiple treatments. Bryson, while maintaining occasional contact through postcards, reached out to him and extended an invitation to join him on the trek. By this time in the late 1980s, Bryson was already becoming quite popular in England.

The success of their Appalachian Trail adventure and the subsequent book catapulted Bryson to fame. Angerer recalled that Bryson took him on a trip to Cuba and made periodic visits to Angerer’s Carlisle residence in the following years. During this time, Angerer experienced personal growth and transformation, finding love, getting married, and achieving sobriety around 2005. In an interview, he expressed immense happiness about the prospect of a film being made about their journey, with Robert Redford set to portray Bryson on the big screen. He said, “Just another day in Bill’s life. I don’t know how he does it; he’s always on top of his s—.” According to reports, Angerer passed away in June 2023, having lived a life that he would be proud of.

The majority of the film was shot in Georgia, but despite the geographical variance, the actors managed to authentically capture the camaraderie and humor depicted in Bryson’s book. The on-screen portrayal closely adhered to the source material, with minimal creative liberties taken, and this adherence to the essence of the true story adds depth and sincerity to the film. Real stories, when translated onto the screen with integrity, contribute to the richness and power of the cinematic universe. They establish a profound connection with viewers, allowing them to resonate with the authenticity of the narrative and the genuine human experiences portrayed.

A WALK IN THE WOODS

"an episodic take on living life to the fullest".

	None	Light	Moderate	Heavy
Language
Violence
Sex
Nudity

What You Need To Know:

(Ro, B, E, LLL, V, S, N, M) Light Romantic, philosophical worldview with some light moral elements about friendship and not taking life for granted, including married man has positive relationship with his loving wife, plus a couple light environmentalist comments, attitudes but nothing heavy handed; about 46 obscenities (many “f,” “s” and “h” words), 19 strong profanities, five light profanities, and a couple references to defecating in the woods; some comical violence such as an encounter with a couple bears in the woods, falling, angry husband pounds on motel door, man accidentally sinks in mud; implied oral sex between engaged couple when the man and woman in a car pick up the two protagonists, a joke about getting a venereal disease during a youthful trip to Europe, unmarried man flirts with woman who turns out to be married, motel owner seems interested in Robert Redford’s married character, but nothing happens, and a couple crude verbal references to fornication; partial rear male nudity in one shot when man bends over; no alcohol use, but one character is years in sobriety after having had a drinking problem, and he hides a bottle of liquor in his belongings to help him overcome his temptation to drink; no smoking or drugs; and, two men meet talkative conceited woman, who annoyingly brags about how much smarter and more competent she is than anyone else.

More Detail:

A WALK IN THE WOODS is a funny comic diversion starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte about an older travel writer deciding to hike the 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail with an estranged friend he hasn’t seen in decades. Based on the bestselling autobiographical book by Bill Bryson, A WALK IN THE WOODS is too episodic and has lots of strong foul language and some crude innuendoes, so media-wise viewers will be disappointed despite the appeal and clear talent of its two stars.

Changing the timeline of the original book, the movie opens with American travel writer Bill Bryson and British-born his wife (named Catherine in the movie) living in New Hampshire after spending many years in England, where they met. Bill is glum about facing old age. After attending the funeral of a friend, he decides to hike the 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. His wife insists he bring a friend along, but no one really wants to spend several months hiking the famous trail.

Out of the blue, Bill gets a call from an old friend, named Stephen Katz in the book and movie, with whom he had a falling out as a younger man. Bill reluctantly agrees after Stephen assures him over the phone that he’s in shape. When Stephen steps off the plane, however, it’s clear Stephen has let himself get a bit overweight. The two men start hiking the trail in Georgia anyway, though Stephen has trouble keeping up in the beginning.

The rest of the movie details a series of comical adventures.

For example, the two men run into a talky know-it-all, who keeps telling them that she’s the smartest, most competent person she knows. Bill tries to contradict her about a couple things, such as his tent’s quality rating, but she’s adamant that he’s wrong, and she’s right. Bill and Stephen are eventually able to ditch her but run into a snowstorm and accidentally fall off the trail onto a ledge until getting rescued. Along the way, they stop at a couple rest areas and a hotel, where Stephen has a run-in with the husband of a woman with whom he arranges a secret rendezvous. During the whole time, Bill and Stephen compare life philosophies. Bill is more reserved and methodical while Stephen constantly goes with his gut, which often gets him into trouble, but which also ensures his life is never dull.

A WALK IN THE WOODS has a lot of funny lines and episodes (at his friend’s funeral during the opening, for instance, Bryson tells the widow it was a “pleasure” when she thanks him and his wife for coming to her husband’s funeral). Also, spending some time with Robert Redford and Nick Nolte is definitely fun. However, the dialogue contains a lot of obscenities and profanities, along with some crude content and innuendoes about relationships with women. The script is also a bit episodic, jumping from incident to incident. This makes A WALK IN THE WOODS feel more like a series of funny vignettes than a cohesive story. Finally, the movie has some environmentalist references. They aren’t heavy handed, but they reflect a more liberal political bent. That said, the movie is an inspiring celebration of the incredible beauty that one can find along the Appalachian Trail, one of America’s great scenic and hiking areas.

Ultimately, A WALK IN THE WOODS could have done without the R-rated content. Such content will prevent the movie from attracting a larger audience. Extreme caution is advised.

"A Walk in the Woods" Movie Review by Robert Sutherland
Entertainment

ATC Viewing of A Walk in the Woods ~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

ATC's A Walk in the Woods Preview ~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy previewed A Walk in the Woods prior to its opening September 2nd.

ATC Executive Director Ron Tipton greeted us before Bill Bryson's book hit the big screen, starring Robert Redford as Bill Bryson and Nick Nolte playing Katz.

A Walk in the Woods is a tale of two old goats who, contemplating death, hit the Appalachian Trail filled with hope, too much gear and not enough preparation.

This is neither an AT documentary nor a family flick. There are enough F-bombs and crude jokes (more worthy of Vince Vaughn and Seth Rogen than Redford and Nolte) that the film will have no ambassadorial role.

We laughed often at first. I loved the line by Emma Thompson, Bryson's wife, bidding him farewell and asking him to try not to die.

Robert Redford & Nick Nolte star in A Walk in the Woods

Robert Redford & Nick Nolte in A Walk in the Woods

If you've hiked the AT in the South, you'll recognize Neel Gap and Fontana Dam.

Alas, the combined weight of the Trail, the hikers and the film itself ended the quest. Everything rather collapsed into a quiet, confident retreat as the curtain descended.

There's no chance the film will inspire old guys to hike. And don't have any fears about noobs flooding the Trail.

Leave the kids at home and join two old guys for A Walk in the Woods . Here's the trailer:

Tags: Events, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Appalachian Trail, Hiking, News, Movies, Entertainment, Robert Sutherland Travel Writer, a walk in the woods, redford nolte walk in the woods, movie walk in the woods, movie bill bryson walk in the woods, bryson redford appalachian trail, and appalachian trail movie

Robert Redford & Nick Nolte portray the characters in A Walk in the Woods well, probably. That doesn't guarantee rave reviews of the Appalachian Trail film.

The Appalachian Trail film, "A Walk in the Woods" starring Robert Redford, debuts at the Sundance Film Festival, 1-23-15, adapted from Bill Bryson's book.

Broad Green purchased the rights to distribute the movie adaptation of Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" starring Robert Redford for millions of dollars.

Some of the filming locations for the movie, A Walk in the Woods, starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, were easy to spot for Appalachian Trail hikers.

Watching the 10 Best Appalachian Trail Movies is much easier on your wallet, feet, career and relationships that hiking the Trail from Georgia to Maine.

You can't tell a book by its cover or a movie by its promotional video, but the trailer for Robert Redford's new movie "A Walk in the Woods" is very funny.

Doctor Grumpy does not know all or see all, but he has Seven Predictions for how the Appalachian Trail might change in between now and 2025.

Beacon Point is a horror movie about a group of hikers who set out for 10 days on the Appalachian Trail.

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‘The Watchers’ Review: Ishana Night Shyamalan’s Debut Is an Elegant Supernatural Horror Movie That Gets Lost in the Woods

David ehrlich.

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If there’s much about her debut that left me wishing the apple had fallen a little further from the tree, there’s also no denying that the “ Unbreakable ” filmmaker’s daughter has the skill to follow in her father’s footsteps, which she does here even when the material is begging her to blaze her own trail. And yet, frustrating as it can be at times, the young Shyamalan’s loyal devotion to the family brand proves strangely appropriate for a story this fraught with parental baggage, parroted behavior, and the life-or-death need to satisfy the expectations of an audience who will tear you apart the minute you turn your back on them. Related Stories Evan Rachel Wood Was ‘Actually Tripping’ During ‘I Am the Walrus’ Scene in ‘Across the Universe’ Ian McKellen Hospitalized After Fall from West End Stage, Expected to Make ‘Speedy and Full Recovery’

In “The Watchers,” that audience has claws big enough to scratch permanent scrape marks into a pane of bullet-proof glass. Those violent grooves are the first thing we notice about the brutalist concrete building where Mina (a sullen but headstrong Dakota Fanning) takes shelter after her car breaks down in an unmarked forest somewhere between Galway — where the downtrodden expat works at a pet store, vaping her pain away during breaks — and Belfast , where she’s been tasked with delivering a golden parrot to a customer.

Don’t go out after dark. Never wander too far into the woods. Stay away from the burrows where the creatures sleep during the daytime, and always do what you can to put on a good show for them at night. Shyamalan’s adaptation is extremely faithful to the plot and tradition of the 2022 A.M. Shine novel on which it’s based, but only in a way that leaves you wondering how much his book might have borrowed from “The Village” in the first place.

Where the elder Shyamalan’s movie adopted the look and language of a 19th-century Pennsylvania commune, Ishana’s decidedly modern take riffs on the panopticon-like voyeurism of reality TV. Mina’s voiceover describes the forest around the Coop as a place that “draws in lost souls like moths to a flame,” and the same could be said of “Love Island” (or the “Love Island” knock-off that Mina is forced to watch over and over again on DVD as her time in the Watchers’ domain stretches on), which similarly encourages people to indulge in their worst selves for a viewing audience that loathes and envies them in equal measure.

Shyamalan is far more interested in exploring the woods than she is in fleshing out any of her characters (Daniel ran away from an abusive dad, Madeline used to be a teacher, Ciara likes to dance… the end), but her film is well-served by playing to its strengths, and “The Watchers” is at its most grippingly tense whenever Mina goes looking for trouble. The mystery of the forest is unraveled with the patience and precision of a storyteller who inherited her father’s belief that what we don’t see is always scarier and more interesting than what we do, and while the nerve-shredding sequences where Mina spelunks through the burrows or stays out of the Coop all night can be overly reliant on jump-scares, those jolts are rooted in a solid foundation of well-earned suspense (and further supported by the inviting flatness of Fanning’s devil-may-care affect).

But it does. Fast. And with a maddening disregard for why the first half of this movie was intriguing in ways that had nothing to do with its central mystery. After carefully teasing out breadcrumbs of information over the course of an hour, “The Watchers” flies the Coop before it convinces to care about the people caged inside of it — only to waste its stockpile of intrigue on a labored and nonsensical series of info dumps that confirm your worst suspicions at the same time as they deny viewers the chance to entertain any new ones.

If Shine’s novel suffered from a similar problem, Shyamalan doesn’t make any effort to smooth it out. The sudden onslaught of exposition displaces whatever mild investment this movie has earned in its characters until that point, and the decision to resolve the main conflict after only 75 minutes or so makes it all too obvious that “The Watchers” is saving time for its big twist, blunting its impact even as Shyamalan teases the reveal — and a sequel! — at the expense of fleshing out what any of this could mean for our heroine.

Warner Bros. will release “The Watchers” in theaters on Friday, June 7.

The Wild Robot

After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby ... Read all After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose. After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

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COMMENTS

A Walk in the Woods movie review (2015)
Redford, who is also a producer, initially planned on reteaming with buddy Paul Newman a decade or so ago when he began to piece together this project based on Bill Bryson's humor-filled 1998 account of his misadventures while hiking the 2,180-mile Appalachian Trail. A reunion with his sparring partner in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting," halted by Newman's ...
A Walk in the Woods (2015)
Amiable yet less compelling than any road trip movie starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte should be, A Walk in the Woods is ultimately a bit too pedestrian. Travel writer Bill Bryson (Robert ...
Review: 'A Walk in the Woods,' With Robert Redford, Is a Scenic Trek
Directed by Ken Kwapis. Adventure, Biography, Comedy, Drama. R. 1h 44m. By Manohla Dargis. Sept. 1, 2015. There's a scene in "A Walk in the Woods," a low-impact amble through hill, dale and ...
A Walk in the Woods
A Walk in the Woods is a big-hearted, endlessly funny and just plain likable survivalist-buddy-road-trip-comedy-drama that also has something to say. Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 7 ...
A Walk in the Woods (2015)
A Walk in the Woods: Directed by Ken Kwapis. With Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen. After spending two decades in England, Bill Bryson (Robert Redford) returns to the U.S., where he decides the best way to connect with his homeland is to hike the Appalachian Trail with one of his oldest friends, Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte).
A Walk in the Woods Movie Review
Parents need to know that A Walk in the Woods is a dramedy -- based on Bill Bryson's nonfiction book -- about two older men (played by Robert Redford and Nick Nolte) who decide to hike the Appalachian Trail.Language is the biggest issue, with frequent uses of "f--k" and "s--t," as well as strong sexual references/innuendo and stories of sexual exploits.
A Walk in the Woods
2015. R. Broad Green Pictures. 1 h 44 m. Summary Travel writer Bill Bryson (Robert Redford), instead of retiring to enjoy his loving and beautiful wife (Emma Thompson) and large and happy family, challenges himself to hike the Appalachian Trail - 2,200 miles of America's most unspoiled, spectacular and rugged countryside from Georgia to Maine.
A Walk in the Woods (2015)
Based on the 1998 book/memoir of the same name by Bill Bryson, 'A Walk in the Woods' is a sweet, simple & uncomplicated film, that turns out to be nice fun. Its also supremely well-acted, although that barely comes as a surprise, since the performers on-screen are legends. 'A Walk in the Woods' Synopsis: After spending two decades in England ...
'A Walk in the Woods': EW review
A Walk In The Woods trailer: Robert Redford and Nick Nolte hike the Appalachian Trail The 20 best thriller movies on Netflix right now The 40 best alien movies of all time
A Walk in the Woods (2015)
A Walk in the Woods serves as a terrific showcase for two exceptionally durable stars. 75. Movie Nation Roger Moore. It is funny, and Redford, gracious as ever, makes a wonderful straight-man for a comic co-costar who has the face, voice and posture of a geezer who probably should have tackled this healing hike 20 years earlier. 60.
A Walk in the Woods (film)
A Walk in the Woods has received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes , the film holds a rating of 47%, based on 167 reviews, with an average rating of 5.50/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Amiable yet less compelling than any road trip movie starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte should be, A Walk in the Woods is ultimately ...
The True Story Of A Walk In The Woods Explained
A Walk in the Woods is a 2015 movie based on Bill Bryson's true story of hiking the Appalachian Trail with his friend Stephen Katz.; The film accurately portrays Bryson's struggles on the trail, but it also takes some liberties with what happened. The real Bryson returned to the trail alone after ending his journey with Katz, completing a total of 850 miles out of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail.
Movie Review: 'A Walk in the Woods'
Movie Review: 'A Walk in the Woods'. By AINARA TIEFENTHÄLER • September 3, 2015. The Times critic Manohla Dargis reviews "A Walk in the Woods.".
A Walk in the Woods
This movie, on the other hand, is not very much like church at all. Because as primed as I am to like movies like A Walk in the Woods—as much as it might make me want to take a couple of months off to hike through the mountains of Colorado—there's more to movies than just vibe. (Or even having fun laughing at Robert Redford trying to make ...
A Walk In The Woods Review
A Walk In The Woods Review. Writer Bill Bryson (Redford) decides to rediscover America by walking the 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail with old school friend Katz (Nolte). Two 70-plus boys trekking ...
'A Walk in the Woods' Review: Robert Redford and Nick Nolte Take a Hike
'A Walk in the Woods' Review: Robert Redford and Nick Nolte Take a Hike, Forced Wackiness Ensues. Two old codgers get a crazy idea that leads exactly where you would expect in Bill Bryson's ...
A Walk In The Woods
Following the success of Wild, Reese Witherspoon's introspective expedition along the Pacific Crest Trail, there was an excitement surrounding the long-awaited release of A Walk In The Woods.. Producer and star Robert Redford has been working for a decade to bring Bill Bryson's 1998 memoir to the screen, finally attaching co-star Nick Nolte and director Ken Kwapis in 2013.
A Walk In The Woods
Buoyed by the presence of Redford and Nolte, A Walk In The Woods flounders for long periods but still is quaint, breezy and inoffensive... as well as entirely forgettable.
'A Walk in the Woods' review: Robert Redford's fallen and he can't get
It's a good walk spoiled. "A Walk in the Woods". Grade: D-plus. Rating: R. Running time: 98 minutes. Playing at: Opens Wednesday, Sept. 2. Cast and crew: Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson ...
A Walk in the Woods movie review: ramble on and on
A Walk in the Woods (2015) directed by Ken Kwapis US/Can release: Sep 02 2015 UK/Ire release: Sep 18 2015 MPAA: rated R for language and some sexual references BBFC: rated 15 (strong language, sex references) viewed at a public multiplex screening official site | IMDb | trailer more reviews: Rotten Tomatoes Movie Review Query Engine Letterboxd
Reviews
"A WALK IN THE WOODS is a jolly good time, sparking dozens of chuckles and a few strong laughs." TODD MCCARTHY "Funny, deeply moving and poignant!" SCOTT MANTZ "I really, really loved it. Both funny and poignant." LARRY KING "One of the year's best Buddy Movies—Redford and Nolte capture perfectly the familiarity, frustration, and ultimate […]
A Walk in the Woods: The True Story of Bill Bryson and Stephen Katz
The film's stellar cast also includes the talents of Emma Thompson, Nick Offerman, and Mary Steenburgen, whose nuanced performances contribute to the movie's emotional resonance. The Real People of A Walk in the Woods. Based on a true story, 'A Walk in the Woods' brings to the screen the real-life journey of Bill Bryson.
A WALK IN THE WOODS
A WALK IN THE WOODS is a funny comic diversion starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte about an older travel writer deciding to hike the 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail with an estranged friend he hasn't seen in decades. Based on the bestselling autobiographical book by Bill Bryson, A WALK IN THE WOODS is too episodic and has lots of strong foul ...
"A Walk in the Woods" Movie Review by Robert Sutherland
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy previewed A Walk in the Woods prior to its opening September 2nd. ATC Executive Director Ron Tipton greeted us before Bill Bryson's book hit the big screen, starring Robert Redford as Bill Bryson and Nick Nolte playing Katz. A Walk in the Woods is a tale of two old goats who, contemplating death, hit the ...
Revealed: The Staggering Paydays These Stars Turned Down
Slammed by critics, it has a score of just 4% on movie review website Rotten Tomatoes. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Jodie Foster turned down $26.9 million to star in Hannibal
A Walk in the Woods (Short 2024)
A Walk in the Woods: Directed by By Enoch. With Maiya Ceré, Cedrik Daniel, Ariah Lipsey, Donnelle Lipsey.
The Watchers Review: Ishana Shyamalan's Debut Gets Lost in the Woods
'The Watchers' Review: Ishana Night Shyamalan's Debut Is an Elegant Supernatural Horror Movie That Gets Lost in the Woods. ... Booted Mid-Set From Another Stage After Attendees Walk Out. 2.
The Wild Robot (2024)
The Wild Robot: Directed by Chris Sanders. With Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O'Hara, Bill Nighy. After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

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