A Walk In The Woods

A Walk In The Woods (Ken Kwapis, 2015)

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Rating: Q=6, P=7 / Comfy Old Standard

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=4

Comedy, Based on Book, Travel, Aging, Friendship

I've read all of Bill Bryson's books and A Walk In The Woods several times, so I was anxious to see the film--the first adaptation of any of his books, incidentally--since I heard it was finally being made. And I wasn't really worried that it was going to leave out parts of the story and embellish others. Robert Redford is a true fan and so I knew he would stay true to the essence of the hilarious adventure.

I laughed loudly many many times. I cried once or twice, too, and not just from laughter. It was uplifting and fun. The scenery was stunning. The acting was spot-on (well done, Nick Nolte!). Even the music...I was pleasantly surprised.

This isn't just a film about a middle-aged man trying to reconnect with his homeland or an old friend, like IMDb's description states. This is a film about living, values and valuing, and about rediscovering yourself. That's what adventuring, traveling, and writing are all about.

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Sunrise

Sunrise (F.W. Murnau, 1927)

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Rating: Q=6, P=7 / Comfy Old Standard

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Silent, 1920s, Complex Relationships, Suspense/Thriller

"The more you consider "Sunrise" the deeper it becomes -- not because the story grows any more subtle, but because you realize the real subject is the horror beneath the surface." -Roger Ebert

While the majority of modern audiences might find silent films tedious, it is hard to feel that way about this one. This film is a classic--it was one of the first films to employ the use of so many artistic film techniques, it is truly beautiful to watch, and the story is timeless. There are moments that will make your heart beat fast and make you hold your breath. Loved it.

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Broken

Broken (Rufus Norris, 2012)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Coming of Age, Complex Relationships, Drama,

This film is a little gem. I enjoyed the complexity of the narrative, the quirky characters, the subtle artistry, and the superb acting. Well done Eloise Laurence! It has some pretty rough subject matter that stays with you, as all good coming of age stories do, but it is also incredibly heart-warming. You'll want to hug your children and your parents and your best friends after this.

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Dog Day Afternoon

Dog Day Afternoon (Sidney Lumet, 1975)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

True Story, Bank Robbery, Hostage, Crime, Complex Relationships

The incredibly bizarre story of the bank robbery that actually happened in Brooklyn 40 years ago (really, that long?) is still as interesting, tense, and uncomfortable to watch today. I had to get up more than a few times just because all the yelling and sweaty-ness was getting to me. Al Pacino is phenomenal, undoubtedly due to the superb directing of Sidney Lumet.

Humans are prone to get in too deep, to not think things through. They become torn between self-interest and "the right thing to do" and get carried away in schemes, lies, and dreams. And we will watch them in fascination because...well, it's us.

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