nick nolte – We Are Movie Geeks

CRIME 101 – Review

Though it may seem that way, Spring and Summer aren’t the only release seasons for “high octane” action-packed crime thrillers. And this new mid-February release proves it. It’s packed with cops, gun-wielding “robbers”, and roaring car chases through congested Los Angeles. Yes, it’s very “street-level,” which is a big “change of venue” since the three main leads are multi-film Marvel Cinematic Universe vets, so no powers, just keen skills. And, no, it’s not about them passing on their talents to eager college students in big lecture halls. The triple numbers in the title refer to a very busy California freeway, which is the “route” favored by the main criminal, hence its moniker, CRIME 101.

The story starts in the pre-dawn hours as the three principals begin their “prep” for the day. Sharon Combs (Halle Berry) applies her make-up (almost like “war paint”) to charm another rich jerk into signing an insurance contract with her prestigious “protection” firm. Groggy police detective Lou (Mark Ruffalo) stumbles about in the dark until he begins his bathroom “constitutional” while scrolling the online news concerning another jewelry courier hijacking. And finally, there’s Mike (Chris Hemsworth), who scrubs every loose bit of skin and hair off his body before donning his work attire: crisp white shirt, black suit with tie, and a gun. Using some spiffy high-tech gizmos, he intercepts a big diamond transfer from a grungy downtown shop to swanky Beverly Hills. Mike always displays his weapon, but never fires, as he tries to grab the goods without gunplay. But this morning is different when he nearly takes a bullet. It’s his “come to Jesus” moment, contemplating his future while making an almost clean getaway. Soon, Lou is called in with his partner Tllman (Corey Hawkins) to comb the crime scene. Later, Lou will present his theory on a lone hijacker making hits along the 101 freeway to an uninterested squadroom (and a “by-the-books” captain). As for Sharon, she almost “seals the deal” with the wealthy client, then heads to the office for a staff meeting where she’s assigned that same robbery, while her morning “gig” is handed off to the newly-hired, much younger saleslady. Oh, and the higher-ups tell Sharon that they need to table her promotion request (“Let’s put a pin in it”). As the “heat” starts to die down, Mike makes the “ice” tranfer to his long-time connection/ fence Money (Nick Nolte). They discuss the unplanned gunplay during the last job, with Mike stating that he wants “out” after the next score. Money then meets with another “staffer”, Ormon (Barry Keoghan), a violent biker with a hair-trigger. Money thinks Mike has lost his “nerve” and assigns that next job to him. Plus Money thinks that Mike is planning his own “big score” and orders Ormon to tail him and scoop up the “spoils”. He’s right, as Mike’s “side project” before he “gets out of the game” will involve Sharon, and eventually Lou and the deranged Omron. Could this truly be Mike’s “last score”, in more ways than one?

Well, this is quite a dramatic turn from the main trio’s heroic roles in the MCU. The story’s real center is the mysterious Mike (if that is his real name) played with heavy gravitas by Hemsworth. There’s nothing of the affable “thunder god” to be found in the somber, stoic “soldier thief” as his pre-job ritual is almost like donning a uniform before battle. With his clipped delivery and downturned eyes. Hemsworth conveys that Mike is not only on the run from the law, but he’s trying to escape his troubled past. We do get a glimpse of his vulnerability and his yearning for human connection through his blossoming romance with Maya, played by the talented Monica Barbaro (superb as Joan Baez in A COMPLETE UNKNOWN). She’s trying to pierce his protective hide, but Mike can’t doff his emotional armor. His “Javert”, Lou has his own internal conflicts. Ruffalo tones down his usual superior intellectual persona to convey the “working stiff” quality of this beaten-down “seen it all” cop, who, like Mike, also has a yearning to break free of his dodrums that have inspired too many bad habits (smoking, boozing, being out of shape), and feeling the need to start anew after an unexpected end to his marriage. Unfortunately, we only see his wife in a diner break-up scene, so the talented Jennifer Jason-Leigh is woefully underutilized (maybe much of her work is on the cutting-room floor). What a pleasure to see Ms. Berry again, here using her acting skills to give us a seasoned professional (her maturity factors in quite a lot) who is a cog caught in the gears of a greedy, chauvinistic machine that seems to delight in squandering her spirit until she’s pushed aside for a shiny, new model. Berry shows the sparkle in her eyes when a chance to break out of the “boys club” appears as a way to end her frustration. The film’s real “wild card” is Keoghan, who makes Ormon an unpredictable demon of destruction, a devil in punk-ish bleached-blonde hair. Nolte is settling into these veteran character roles well, as he croaks out sinister threats and orders. Hawkins is very good as Lou’s cynical buddy partner, who wants to avoid his career path. And this serious tone is lightened a touch by the comedic performance of Tate Donovan as the “too much dough for his own good” millionaire “mark”.

They’re all directed by Bart Layton, who also adapted the Don Winslow novella, though it feels like this is from a weightier tome. Maybe that’s due to the pacing problems, which contribute to it needing a good twenty-minute trim. There are too many little subplots that don’t really contribute much, especially as Lou deals with lots of either disinterested or downright dirty cops right out of SERPICO-style flicks. And the whole crumbling-marriage asides feel distracting from the cat-and-mouse action sequences. And they are pretty solid as Mike zips his sleek cars (especially a cherry green classic Mustang) all around day and night LA (the latter is a great backdrop for a pursuit of cycle-soaring Ormon). Luckily, this superb trio of actors keeps our interest high even as the end results fail to emulate (and it really tries) the cool caper crime flicks like THIEF, HEAT, and DRIVE (and maybe BABY DRIVER, too). So, all the fans of furious, fast auto exploits will get their adrenaline fix before the big Summer action blockbusters, but their patience and endurance will be sorely tested by the fuzzy, meandering of the many detours of the slickly made (the familiar LA locations are given a high-gloss sheen) CRIME 101.

2.5 Out of 4

CRIME 101 is now playing in theatres everywhere

Win Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of CRIME 101 – Starring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo

Set against the sun-bleached grit of Los Angeles, Crime 101 weaves the tale of an elusive jewel thief (Chris Hemsworth) whose string of heists along the 101 freeway have mystified police. When he eyes the score of a lifetime, his path crosses that of a disillusioned insurance broker (Halle Berry) who is facing her own crossroads. Convinced he has found a pattern, a relentless detective (Mark Ruffalo) is closing in, raising the stakes even higher. As the heist approaches, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, and all three are faced with life-defining choices – and the realization that there can be no turning back.

Adapted from Don Winslow’s acclaimed novella of the same name, the film is written and directed by Bart Layton (American Animals, The Imposter). Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte round out the cast.

Exclusively In Theaters Globally February 13.

https://www.amazon.com/salp/crime101?hhf

The St. Louis screening is on Thursday, January 29th, 7pm at Alamo Drafthouse City Foundry.

ENTER HERE FOR PASSES: https://amazonscreenings.com/WAMG101

Rated: R

Please arrive EARLY as seating is not guaranteed.

Chris Hemsworth stars as ‘Davis’ in CRIME 101. (Photo Credit: Merrick Morton)

DIE MY LOVE – Review

Just as the end of the year family holiday preparations are beginning, moviegoers are getting another flick about the dark side of motherhood (something to think about as you await her never-dry turkey). Think of these as the flip-side to those Hallmark cable movie staples. So, last year we saw Amy Adams howling at the moon as NIGHT BITCH. And just a few weeks ago, I endured (that’s right, though many of my fellow critics are embracing it) Rose Byrne careening close to the edge in IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU. Now for the first full weekend of November, an Oscar-winning actress who’s been a movie MIA for the last couple of years is returning in a flick with a mixed-message title (or is it somewhat passive-aggressive) title, DIE MY LOVE (I wonder if they toyed with a title riff on the Everly Brothers classic and called it “Dye, Dye, Love”).

After several seconds of a black screen with ambient sounds, the story begins as longtime couple Grace (Jennifer Lawrence) and Jackson (Robert Pattinson) enter what will be their new home. Actually he’s been there before, since it was owned by his late uncle, but she’s a tad “under-whelmed” by the rickety, weather-beaten shack in the middle of rural Montana. Nonetheless, they soon turn it into their family home with the arrival of a baby boy. Ah, but we then get a flashback as pregnant Grace is hosting a big holiday dinner for her in-law, including Jackson’s doting mother Pam (Sissy Spacek) and his addled papa Harry (Nick Nolte), who somehow connects with Grace. The story springs ahead as Jackson begins taking jobs that keep him away from her and the baby . This sends Grace down a road of despair and delusion. She’s certain Jackson’s cheating on her, since their passion has cooled. Is that why Grace likes to crawl around like a cat in the tall grass? Or is it the reason she joins Pam on her midnight sleepwalking strolls? And is the mysterious man on a motorcycle, Karl (LaKeith Stanfield) real or a “player” in her fevered fantasy dream state? Can Jackson get his own act together to guide Grace away from the abyss of possible madness?

Though the two leads get fairly equal billing in all the marketing, this film serves as a reminder that Ms. Lawrence is one of our most compelling and adventurous actresses. Once again, she’s “without a net” as the complex Grace who elects our sympathy just before showing “her claws” (listen to how she verbally assaults that poor cashier). What a handful, though Lawrence conveys her deep almost fanatical devotion to her child (mama Grizzly, indeed), while seeming to endanger herself frequently (always eyeing Pam’s rifle). Her Grace is sad and scary. Let’s hope it’s not another two years until Lawrence “graces” the big screen. Thankfully, she has chemistry to spare with Pattinson, who brings more humanity to Jackson than’s there in the script. He’s not as complicated as Grace, but Pattinson draws us in to see the shift from the beer-swilling “good ole’ boy” to the husband struggling to understand his spouse. Happily, these current film stars share a few scenes with a couple of veteran actors who made their “mark” nearly fifty years ago. Spacek is a caring and giving “Earth mother”, who is one of the few elders who notices something is “off” with Grace and embraces her as a way of destroying the “demons”. But she’s also “fragile” after the loss of her own love, played by the raspy, often menacing Mr. Nolte. Harry isn’t around for the story’s big catastrophic turns, but Nolte projects a pride that shines through even as he struggles to make it past his mental “fog”, which is parted by the concern and compassion of Grace. He’s not given much dialogue, but Stanfield says so much with his dark, brooding eyes, which is like gasoline to the still smouldering embers of passion in Grace’s libido until he gets tangled in her mania.

This exceptional cast is guided by director/co-screenwriter (joining Alice Birch and Edna Walsh in adapting the book by Ariana Harwicz) Lynne Ramsay, whose 2011 horror/drama WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN is far too relevant. She keeps the characters operating in an almost dream-like state, perhaps to reflect Grace’s slowly cracking psyche. This puts us at a distance as the timeline is shifted haphazardly (that family flashback doesn’t fir with the first act). I was reminded of another “artsy” drama in which Lawrence was a tortured (in all ways) lead, the baffling MOTHER. Like that “experiment” we’re subjected to a near constant feeling of danger as Grace makes bizarre choices that often leave her naked and bloody. In that way, Jackson is seemingly an “after thought”, showing up to try to “clean up the mess”. And it’s so messy, sometimes scuttling any incident into the very real challenges of postpartum depression (Grace juggles that with her cluttered “head space”). This makes for frustration for the folks around the couple along with us. And, once again, good intentions are part of the road to Hell and Hellish cinema. Even though Lawrence is still a most watchable talent, her bravado can’t work its magic on DIE MY LOVE.

2 Out of 4

DIE MY LOVE is now playing in select theatres

Nick Nolte and Debra Winger in CANNERY ROW Available on Blu-ray From Warner Archive

Nick Nolte and Debra Winger in CANNERY ROW will be available on Blu-ray From Warner Archive. Ordering information can be found HERE

The canneries stand empty now that the sardines have abandoned the waters, but life continues on the Row. Here, you’ll find Doc (Nick Nolte), a marine biologist and community mentor; Suzy (Debra Winger), a good-hearted newcomer gone astray; and Mack, Hazel and all the boys working hard at not working. Here, you’ll also find the love of a man for a woman, of a writer for a place and of life for more life. Based on works by John Steinbeck and written for the screen and directed by The Sting’s David S. Ward, Cannery Row — from its lyrical John Huston narration and saggy blues to its top-drawer performances, waterfront sets and whimsical charm — is an atmospheric gem, one that has its world “spinning in greased grooves.”

John Steinbeck’s beloved pair of Monterey Bay novellas “Cannery Row” and “Sweet Thursday” get adapted for the big screen in this ahead-of-its-time sophisticated throwback to simple, sweeter days. Nick Nolte and Debra Winger star as tide-tossed lovers marine biologist Doc and bordello ingenue Suzy whose awkward and charming romance is aided and abetted by the plethora of eccentric oddballs who refuse to abandon the failed fishing village they call home. Written for the screen and directed by David S. Ward (The Sting), Cannery Row adapts Steinbeck with an American take on magical realism, thanks to Ward and the captivating camerawork of Sven Nykvist along with a superb production design team, that is revealed in all its quiet wonder thanks to this long overdue new HD presentation from a 4K scan of the original camera negatives. Theatrical Trailer (HD) 16×9 Widescreen

ANGEL HAS FALLEN – Review

As the start of school snatches away a good chunk of the moviegoers, the Summer blockbuster annual carnival is rolling up their cinema canvas midway. The superheroes have sent their spandex to the dry cleaners, that really, really “fast and furious” duo have put their super-charged vehicles in storage, and those raunchy R-rated comedies are circling the Red Boxes (last weekend ya’ dun’ GOOD, BOYS). Ah, but one guy’s not ready to leave the multiplex and make room for the award contenders. Why, it’s that growling, “movie macho” triple-alpha male Gerard Butler in his own “franchise” role (300 did spawn a sequel, but he…well). Or perhaps this is more of a trilogy (or “hat-trick” or triple play for you sports geeks). Let’s follow the “domino” line of the series. In 2013 OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, three years later LONDON HAS FALLEN, and now ANGEL HAS FALLEN (“…and they can’t get up”…well with GB on the job…).

This new installment begins with “super” Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Butler) in full tactical gear going through a “battle” exercise put together by his old combat buddy Wade Jennings (Danny Huston). Mike’s as sharp as ever, but he’s now prone to headaches, dizziness, and quick “blackouts”. When all alone he’s gulping down the meds he’s getting from the doctors that he’s conning (“All these injuries from an auto accident while selling computers?”). And he’s also not being truthful with his wife Leah (Piper Perabo). Oh, since his dust-up “across the pond”, Mike’s married and started a family with Leah (they’ve got an adorable curly-haired one-year-old girl). Perhaps his ailments will lesson by taking a rumored promotion by President Allan Trumbull (Morgan Freeman whose character from the previous films is now in the Oval Office). But does Mike really want to be the head of the Secret Service? But before he can decide, the President’s fishing getaway is attacked by an unknown entity with access to some deadly high tech weapons (the ones that outgunned Spidey a couple of months ago). When the smoke clears, all the evidence points to Mike. Soon he’s on the run, pursued by a determined FBI investigator, Agent Thompson (Jada Pinkett Smith) and his only chance at justice may be a shadowy figure from his distant past (Nick Nolte). Can Mike clear his name while tracking down the real attackers and preventing more carnage-filled chaos?

Really, are you truly pondering that last question? Once again Butler embodies the completely competent and resourceful man of action. This time out we get to see a glimpse beneath the tough outer armor. Butler shows us how Mike’s body has finally “had enough” and the “chickens (injury trauma) are coming home to roost” in his scrambled almost dented “noggin”. Plus he’s got a light sense of humor, thanks to the easy rapport with the always delightful Ms. Perabo as his life and verbal “sparring” partner. Their “leaving for work’ sequences add much-needed humanity to the Banning “action cyborg”. It’s a shame that Perabo’s Leah is reduced to being the worried wifey’ at home, flanked by the press vultures (and some more deadly intruders), and, that now action flick cliche” the “spouse on the phone”. The marketers are more than a bit deceitful by giving Freeman co-starring billing with Butler. His Trumbull, though essential to the story, is “sidelined” for most the flick, then regulated to being the fragile item that is to be safely hidden. Happily, the film’s last act allows Freeman to indulge in his smooth, laid-back line delivery. Most of the flick’s second act is stolen by Nolte’s paranoid curmudgeon in the woods, whose barking reflects a lifetime of regret. Good seeing him on screen again, though this role recalled much of his work in Ang Lee’s HULK. Huston’s effective as the reglar’ fella’ billionaire whos infectious smile is more of a mask. The same could be said of the horn-rimmed glasses worn by Tim Blake Nelson, who uses them to effect as a “mild-mannered” VP. tossed into the “big chair”, but seems to really like the feel of it. Pickett-Smith has a terrific interrogation showdown with Butler, but for most of the action, she’s too many steps behind, and staring at monitors in frustration (just like Joan Allen in the Bourne flicks). And right from the hotel desk in the John Wick series, Lance Reddick gets to bark orders and consult the Prez as the current Secret Service head honcho.

Former stuntman turned director Ric Roman Waugh keeps the action sequences moving along, knowing when the story needs the extra jolt of gunplay, explosions, and careening, flipping autos (and there are enough to fill many junkyards). Unfortunately, the script and dialogue (credited to five writers) is so clunky and trite that it distracts from the chases and escapes (one villain actually quotes the signature expression of a cartoon icon, with not an ounce of irony). The mystery of the attackers is obvious early on ( that some garbled-voice nonsense seemed tired a few weeks ago with Hobbs & Shaw), and the final showdown is both ludicrous and lethargic (so much dust and smoke). This is still an improvement over the last couple of films for the aforementioned humor and the lightened brutality (I recall someone saying of OLYMPUS that there were more “headshots” than the walls of a talent agent’s office), but with as many “F-bombs” as bullets. This should please fans of the first flicks. As for those of us that can’t “check our brains at the ticket booth”, it’s a welcome goodbye to Banning (the title “A”, though when I first heard of the movie, I thought it was for Los Angeles) with ANGEL HAS FALLEN.

1.5 Out of 4

STAR WARS Live Action Series The Mandalorian Cast Includes Gina Carano, Pedro Pascal, Giancarlo Esposito And Carl Weathers

Lucasfilm is pleased to announce the cast of the first-ever Star Wars live-action series –The Mandalorian.

Pedro Pascal (Narcos) has been cast in the title role as a lone Mandalorian gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy. He is joined by Gina Carano (Deadpool), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Emily Swallow (Supernatural), Carl Weathers (Predator), Omid Abtahi (American Gods), Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man) and Nick Nolte (Affliction).

“We’re having a great time working with this incredibly talented group and excited for everyone to see what we’re up to,” says Executive Producer Jon Favreau.

Currently in production, The Mandalorian is written and executive produced by Jon Favreau, with Dave Filoni (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels) directing the first episode and serving as executive producer alongside Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson. Additional episodic directors include Deborah Chow (Jessica Jones), Rick Famuyiwa (Dope), Bryce Dallas Howard (Solemates), and Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok).

The highly anticipated series will be exclusive to Disney+, The Walt Disney Company’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service, which is set to launch in the U.S. in late 2019.

Stay tuned to StarWars.com for updates.

WARRIOR Starring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton Available on 4K Ultra HD October 24th

WARRIOR Will be available for the First Time on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack on October 24 from Lionsgate.

Directed by Gavin O’Connor (The Accountant, Miracle) (Story by Gavin O’Connor & Cliff Dorfman, Screenplay by Gavin O’Connor & Anthony Tambakis & Cliff Dorfman), relive the epic Oscar^®-nominated* fight that pins brothers against each other when Warrior arrives on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray™ and Digital HD) for the first time on October 24 from Lionsgate (*Best Actor in a Supporting Role). See Oscar^®-nominee Tom Hardy (Best Actor in a Supporting Role, The Revenant, 2015) square off against Golden Globe^®-nominee Joel Edgerton (Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama, Loving, 2016) as brothers Tommy and Brendan in this edge-of-your-seat action drama. Experience every hard-hitting punch in Dolby Vision™ high-dynamic range (HDR) and enjoy the thrills of the ring in four times the resolution of Full HD. Also starring Nick Nolte, who earned an Academy Award^® nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his breathtaking performance, the Warrior 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will be available for the suggested retail price of $22.99.

An ex-Marine haunted by a tragic past, Tommy Riordan returns home and enlists his father, a recovering alcoholic and his former coach, to train him for an MMA tournament awarding the biggest purse in the history of the sport. Tommy’s estranged brother Brendan, a former MMA fighter unable to provide for his family as a public school teacher, also enters the competition. Set on a collision course with each other, the two brothers must finally confront the forces that tore them apart, all the while waging the most intense winner-take-all battle of their lives.

CAST
Joel Edgerton              The Gift, Black Mass, It Comes at Night, Exodus: Gods and Kings
Tom Hardy                   Mad Max: Fury Road, The Dark Knight Rises, The Revenant
Jennifer Morrison        Amityville: The Awakening, Star Trek, ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”
Frank Grillo   Captain America: Civil War, The Grey, The Purge: Anarchy
And Nick Nolte TV’s “Graves,” The Thin Red Line, Tropic Thunder

4K ULTRA HD/BLU-RAY/DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES

Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Gavin O’Connor, Cowriter Anthony Tambakis, Editor John Gilroy and Actor Joel Edgerton
“Redemption: Bringing Warrior to Life” Documentary
“Philosophy in Combat: Mixed Martial Arts Strategy” Featurette
“Simply Believe: A Tribute to Charles ‘Mask’ Lewis, Jr.” Featurette
“Cheap Shots” Gag Reel
“Brother vs. Brother: Anatomy of the Fight” Featurette
“The Diner” Deleted Scene with Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte (with Optional Commentary)
Full Contact: Blu-ray™ Enhanced Viewing Mode – an In-Depth Original and Personal Look atWarrior with the Cast and Crew (Blu-ray™ Only)

A WALK IN THE WOODS – The Giveaway

A new year, a new contest… YAY!

In this comedy-adventure, A WALK IN THE WOODS, celebrated travel writer Bill Bryson (Academy Award^® winner Robert Redford) challenges himself to hike the Appalachian Trail—2,200 miles of America’s most unspoiled, spectacular and rugged countryside from Georgia to Maine—instead of retiring to enjoy his loving and beautiful wife (Academy Award^® winner Emma Thompson) and their large and happy family. In celebration of the film coming out on Digital HD, On Demand, DVD and Blu-ray on December 29th, WAMG is giving away copies of Bill Bryson’s book A WALK IN THE WOODS. Check out below for rules on how to enter.

The peace and tranquility Bill (Redford) hopes to find, though, is anything but, once he agrees to being accompanied by the only person he can find willing to join him on the trek—his long-lost and former friend, Stephen Katz (Academy Award^® nominee Nick Nolte). Katz is a down-on-his-luck serial philanderer. After a lifetime of relying on his charm and wits to keep one step ahead of the law, Katz sees the trip as a way to sneak out of paying some debts and sneak into one last adventure before it’s too late. The trouble is, the two have a completely different definition of the word “adventure.” Now, they’re about to find out that when you push yourself to the edge, the real fun begins.

TO ENTER:

ENTER YOUR NAME AND E-MAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW. WE WILL CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE A WINNER.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES. NO P.O. BOXES. NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.

2. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE REDFORD OR NOLTE MOVIE? (COMMENT BELOW)

3. WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES.

No purchase necessary.

SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE OUTTAKES AND FEATURETTES ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL AND HIKING TIPS FROM THE LEGENDARY CAST!

BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY^™, DVD AND ITUNES EXTRAS:

“Sounds of A Walk in the Woods” – A featurette on the music from the film.
“The Appalachian Trail” – Legendary actors Robert Redford Nick Nolte, director Ken Kwapis and producers Chip Diggins and Bill Holderman delve into the intricacies of filming on The Appalachian Trail.
“Take a Hike with a Legendary Cast” – Legendary actors Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, along with director Ken Kwapis and producers Chip Diggins and Bill Holderman discuss being part of the film.
“A Walk in the Woods Outtakes” – Laugh along with the cast in these side-splitting outtakes!
“Robert Redford’s Call to Action PSA” – Legendary actor Robert Redford shares why it’s important to preserve The Appalachian Trail.

www.walkinthewoodsmovie.com

www.facebook.com/AWalkintheWoodsMovie/

www.twitter.com/awalkinwoodsmov

#TakeAHike

A WALK IN THE WOODS is available on Digital HD, On Demand, DVD and Blu-ray now

A WALK IN THE WOODS – The Review

With Labor Day less than a week away, it’s not too late to explore the “great outdoors”, at least at your local multiplex. This past Winter, Reese Witherspoon earned an Oscar nomination in the true life tale of a woman, Cheryl Strayed, who recently hiked the long, arduous Pacific Crest Trail all by herself in the drama WILD. Her journey seemed to be a way of exorcising her own personal demons. This new true life nature hike isn’t quite so somber, but it’s equally daunting. Around the time that Reese was hitting the road (cinema-wise), Robert Redford was also going solo, but on an aquatic voyage (which turned into a fight for survival) in ALL IS LOST. Now he’s on land and on foot at the East Coast near equivalent, the Appalachian Trail. But the Sundance Kid is more than twice Reese’s age. Does he stand a chance there? Well, he’s not alone, though. Joining him is his former co-star from THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, Nick Nolte. And he’s just a few years younger. Can these two screen veterans enjoy and endure this trip as they embark on A WALK IN THE WOODS?

Travel book author Bill Bryson (Redford) seems to be in a bit of a rut. After spending several years in England, he’s returned to the states and settled in New Hampshire with his Brit-born wife Catherine (Emma Thompson). He’s enjoying his golden years with her along their children and grandchildren, but something’s missing. After an awkward TV interview (the host couldn’t be more pompous), he returns home just in time to get the call about another friend’s passing. When he and the missus return home from the funeral, Bill decides to take a stroll. He’s surprised to discover that a nearby wooded area leads to an offshoot of the Appalachian Trail. That’s it! He’s written several books about international destinations, but he’s never really explored his home turf! Before he settles into his rockin’ chair, he’ll walk the road from Georgia to Maine. This idea doesn’t go over well with Catherine and soon she’s printing up internet horror stories of nature (animal attacks, accidents, etc.). Well at least Bill agrees to get a partner. After several fruitless hours dialing numbers from his old address book, Bill is almost ready to throw in the towel. Then out of the blue he gets a call from Stephen Katz, who heard about his quest through the grapevine. They haven’t kept in touch for thirty years (Katz still owes Bill some money), but they make plans to hike the trail together. When Katz (Nolte) arrives at the local airport, Bill is taken aback by his limping, disheveled appearance. But Katz insists that he’s in fine shape, and soon the two are flying down to the trail’s Georgia starting point. Is there any way that these two AARP members can finish the many months long trek all the way to Maine?

Redford doesn’t seem to be slowing down in what would be most actors’ twilight years (he’s got a another true story Oscar-bait flick out in a couple of months), and here he proves to be just as warm and engaging as ever as the traveling, often befuddled everyman. There’s a confused sadness in his eyes during the film’s early scenes which is wiped clean when the plan for adventure takes hold. Oddly, this “fog” is replaced by an almost child-like sense of curiosity and wonder, so much so, that there’s a “boy-ish” quality to the near eighty year-old. Plus Redford is a more that capable “straight man” to the irascible Nolte who plays Katz with a twinkle in his often bloodshot eyes. Though his traveling partner wants to make his mile quota, Katz wants to take things at his own leisurely pace. Nolte’s sandpaper-tinged voice has evolved almost into a deep croak, much like the great character player James Gammon, with each sentence barely escaping through his thick, bramble beard. He’s one silver lion that’s full of mischief, not malice. Thompson is quite lovable as the voice of reason and sanity who knows that she won’t change her hubby’s mind, no matter how many wild tales of terror she downloads. Her love for her mate wins out over her frustrations, particularly as she “puts on the Brits’ stiff upper-lip” as he heads out. Some great supporting actors pop up in several terrific sequences. The fabulous Nick Offerman inspires a few chuckles as the all-knowing expert pushing the most expensive gear to Bill at the local sporting goods store. Kristen Schaal is also quite funny as the pesky, abrasive fellow hiker on the trail that temporarily joins up with the fellas (she’s a bit too close to her character on TV’s “The Last Man on Earth”, though). And Oscar-winner Mary Steenburgen pops up as the single lady owner/operator of a motel near the trail who brightens up at the sight of Bill. With this and her recent role in LAST VEGAS Ms. S seems to have found her niche playing mature temptresses (hmm, much like her part in the aforementioned TV sitcom).

Director Ken Kwapis (THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS) gamely tries to resist the urge to turn the film into a sitcom (he’s directed plenty) and, despite the “cutesy” trailers, this isn’t really “Nearly as Grumpy, but Better Looking Old Men”. There are a few clunky comic detours that land with a thud (Katz thinks a plus-sized lady is attractive! Haw! Haw! Oh, and she’s got a big, big beau! Hee! Hee!), but the guys make a pretty good team and their “bonding” sequences never feel forced, as do several bits of slapstick. And then there’s the jaw-droppingly gorgeous, glorious scenery (this will look great on the next wave of hi-res home screens). The R rating is mostly for Katz’s many “F-bombs”, so there’s nothing here to really upset the older folks. In other words, this is a film you can take mom or granny to, and not be bored out of your skull. Hey, it would be fun just to watch Bob and Nick grab coffee. It’s not ground-breaking, cutting edge cinema, it’s relaxing, much like taking A WALK IN THE WOODS, but without the bears and bunions.

3 Out of 5

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of A WALK IN THE WOODS In St. Louis

WAMG has your passes to the upcoming film A WALK IN THE WOODS.

In this new comedy adventure, celebrated travel writer, Bill Bryson (Academy Award winner Robert Redford), instead of retiring to enjoy his loving and beautiful wife (Academy Award winner 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, though, is anything but, once he agrees to being accompanied by the only person he can find willing to join him on the trek – his long lost and former friend Katz (Academy Award nominee Nick Nolte), a down-on-his-luck serial philanderer who, after a lifetime of relying on his charm and wits to keep one step ahead of the law – sees the trip as a way to sneak out of paying some debts and sneak into one last adventure before its too late.

The trouble is, the two have a completely different definition of the word, “adventure”. Now they’re about to find out that when you push yourself to the edge, the real fun begins.

A WALK IN THE WOODS opens in theatres Wednesday, September 2, 2015.

WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win a pass (Good for 2) to the advance screening of A WALK IN THE WOODS on August 31 at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

We will contact the winners by email.

Answer the following:

In which films did Nick Nolte play:

“Jack Cates”

“Phillip Elliott”

“David Sanders”

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWERS AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.

3. No purchase necessary.

Rated R for language and some sexual references.

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A WALK IN THE WOODS is available on Digital HD, On Demand, DVD and Blu-ray now

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