Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Likable "old guy" comedy has great vistas, strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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A Walk in the Woods
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 :
- MPAA explanation : language and some sexual references
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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