Por Aqui e Por Ali

I truly enjoyed this movie, had all experienced, professional actors and actresses and it showed. Those critics that say there is no plot or drama are either too young to appreciate the aging life lessons and insights or too serious and particular and need to lighten up. I, and many in the theater, had quite a few laugh out loud moments. This is a movie for the more mature, intelligent crowd. Not for someone looking for a tense drama, or twitch action flick. I have not read the book but have read reviews that stated the book was even better so I know what my next read will be. This movie had some great nature shots of the AT which was an added bonus. Thought Nick Nolte and Robert Redford were good casting for their characters.

Although the characters portrayed are probably older than me, I could relate to aspects of combining nature, friendship, and fresh air that goes along with hiking anywhere. I am an outdoors-man and I knew I would like this movie like I did, simply because of the hiking, camping, and philosophical air. Of course, the actors made the movie even more enjoyable for me as I thought about past entertainments from this crown and began to remember how they made me laugh in the past and take life in strides and enjoy. I recommend watching this movie simply to inspire people to step out of their normal routines once in while, get a level set, and remember to enjoy life versus stress over it all of the time.

Okay, this movie isn't great art, but it's delightful, funny, filled with veteran actors (Nick Nolte, Robert Redford, Mary Steenburgen, and Emma Thompson who, as usual, is absolutely perfect for the part she plays. I loved it because I'm not a hiker, and I truly felt every bit of resistance that Nolte's character expresses to being out in nature while on foot. There are many, many lines that made me laugh out loud. I am not a laugh-out-loud person generally and I didn't read the book, so I don't know whether Bryson is responsible. I am also resistant to feel-good movies but this was definitely in that genre. I've always loved Nick Nolte and am sad that he has become so obese, but his innate attractiveness made me forget how misshapen he is. Definitely (contrary to at least one reviewer's claims) there was a lot about mortality. Definitely (contrary to a couple of reviewers' claims) there is a plot and there is a destination (I say this as a published novelist and short story writer, as well as a former teacher of creative writing). I suspect this movie appeals more to people of a certain age—it certainly appealed to me.

I enjoyed this film. No politics, no pandering, just light humor involving two old codgers doing something really stupid. It's a good and relaxing watch with a strong cast led by Redford and Nolte.

I went to see this movie today, having read the original book by Bill Bryson and subsequently listened to a hilarious 'audio book' version narrated by Kerry Shale.

My first comment is that Robert Redford is just too old, way too old, for the part. By my estimate, Bill Bryson was less than 50 when he walked the trail with Katz, whereas Redford is 78. It made a big and substantial difference to my enjoyment of the movie, since a lot of the humour in the book comes from the fact that it's two middle-aged slightly overweight guys who start the walk, not two old men.

Furthermore, I found Emma Thompson's portrayal of Catherine Bryson simply irritating and humourless. Like Robert Redford, I felt she just turned up and did her lines.

Many of the best anecdotes from the book appear in the movie, and yet somehow none is anything like as funny as in the book/audio book. For example, the overweight nasal-sounding Mary Ellen segment just isn't as funny in the movie not least because the actress playing Mary Ellen is not overweight and therefore her jibe at Katz for being overweight misses the joke.

Overall, the movie was light and amusing in places, but bad casting and uncommitted acting makes it just average and with a heavy heart I rate it just 6/10. And trust me, I went in with fairly low expectations yet hoping for a good laugh. It was worse than I expected and not as funny as I'd hoped.