A Walk in the Woods
- May 1, 2018
- Something Dark Studios
In "A Walk in the Woods" , play with up to three friends in an online multiplayer experience, exploring a randomly generated forest. Your goal is to find your missing companions while avoiding a malevolent creature and its offspring. Every playthrough offers a new, challenging terrain, urging you to work together and escape the ever-changing woods.
Reviews
- The film features strong performances from Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, showcasing their chemistry and comedic timing.
- The beautiful scenery of the Appalachian Trail is well-captured, adding a visually appealing backdrop to the story.
- The movie offers a heartwarming exploration of friendship and self-discovery in later life, resonating with older audiences.
- The film deviates significantly from the source material, losing much of the humor and depth found in Bill Bryson's book.
- Some viewers found the humor to be flat and the pacing slow, leading to a lack of engagement with the story.
- The portrayal of the characters' ages and physical capabilities was criticized, as both actors were seen as too old for the roles they played.
- humor57 mentions
- 95 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The humor in the film is described as a mix of wry and situational comedy, with some viewers finding it genuinely funny while others felt it fell flat compared to the source material. Many appreciated the light-hearted moments and relatable interactions between the characters, particularly the comedic chemistry between the lead actors, but some critics noted that the film's humor often lacked the depth and consistency found in Bryson's writing. Overall, while there are several amusing scenes, the film's comedic impact varies significantly among viewers.
“This was a pleasantly deep movie for a change, yet it was relaxing and funny.”
“The movie goes from funny to thought-provoking to sad -- and if you are in the mood, you should check this out.”
“The things and people they meet thrown into the mix as they hike the Appalachian Trail is hilarious!”
“It is supposed to be funny though.”
“Not funny.”
“Kristen Schaal injected much-needed humor (Bill Bryson is nothing if not funny) but unfortunately only briefly towards the beginning of the film.”
- story47 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story centers on two aging friends embarking on a journey along the Appalachian Trail, exploring themes of friendship, self-reflection, and the challenges of growing older. While some viewers appreciate the film's humor and scenic portrayal, others criticize its lack of depth and deviation from the source material, leading to a mixed reception regarding its narrative execution. Overall, it is seen as an entertaining yet predictable tale that resonates with those familiar with Bill Bryson's work.
“This is a story about coming to terms with growing up, living out your life, and finishing as good as you started.”
“As the story progresses, they reflect on their past and see the beauty around them.”
“It’s a story about men and friendship, buoyed by Mr. Bryson’s light self-amusement and smooth storytelling that encompasses bite-size histories, expansive lists, blue notes, and zoological asides on loons, mountain lions, and especially bears.”
“The movie took the premise of the book -- two geriatrics who haven't seen each other in 40 years joining together for an American trail expedition -- and molded it into a minimalist adventure story with no payoff.”
“The failure to develop the plot in the beginning was another fatal blow to this effort.”
“This vanity production by Redford is just the opposite - a dark beginning, disjointed and lackluster storyline coupled with two overage actors and horrid cinematography towards the end.”
- optimization11 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The optimization of the film's performances is mixed, with standout roles from Nick Nolte and Kristen Schaal, while Robert Redford's performance is seen as underwhelming. Despite some strong acting, the film suffers from an uninspired script and noticeable plot inconsistencies, which detract from the overall experience.
“The film exceeded my expectations with excellent performances from the actors and beautiful visuals.”
“Emma Thompson shines as Bryson's concerned wife, Nick Nolte delivers credible grit and pathos that must rank this as one of his best performances, and Mary Steenburgen provides a great touch to the evolving storyline.”
“Only Robert Redford, who plays a slightly bewildered Bill Bryson at the beginning, delivers a workmanlike performance below his potential, although he is well suited to his role.”
“Uninspired script and Redford's performance dooms this film.”
“I won't even begin to waste words about Nolte's performance or the glaring plot holes and deviations.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the film is characterized by a blend of heartwarming moments and gentle humor, appealing particularly to older audiences who may resonate with its themes of camaraderie and nostalgia. However, some reviews suggest that the film struggles to fully engage viewers, lacking the depth and emotional resonance needed to elevate its narrative and character dynamics. Overall, while it offers enjoyable and clean entertainment, it may not connect as deeply with all audiences.
“Heartwarming”
“It was heartwarming and great clean entertainment.”
“It's a funny, heartwarming movie (especially if you're old enough to know what they're talking about) with a beautiful soundtrack.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the film receive mixed reviews; while some praise the beautiful visuals of the Appalachian Trail, others feel that the overall production quality resembles a low-budget TV movie, detracting from the experience. Despite the stunning scenery, the film's execution and narrative shortcomings leave viewers unsatisfied.
“The film exceeded my expectations with excellent performances from the actors and beautiful visuals.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music features modern bluegrass elements that complement the film's humorous and heartwarming narrative, resonating particularly well with audiences familiar with its themes. Many viewers appreciated the soundtrack so much that they chose to purchase both the movie and its music.
“It has modern bluegrass music.”
“By then, I loved the movie and music enough to buy them both.”
“It's a funny, heartwarming movie (especially if you're old enough to know what they're talking about) with a beautiful soundtrack.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety.”
“The soundtrack doesn't match the game's atmosphere.”
“The audio quality is subpar, making it hard to enjoy the music.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The reviews suggest that the grinding aspect of the game is perceived as tedious and elitist, akin to a dull hobby, contrasting sharply with more relatable and engaging interests. This creates a divide between the game's intellectual pursuits and more accessible, enjoyable activities.