I joined a huge group of ATC and GATC hiking fanatics to view the Atlanta premiere of Redford’s long-awaited film treatment of Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods.” I had some quarrels with Bryson’s book, and I have some quarrels with this movie. However, I have to say that I loved the way the book made me laugh, and judging from the reaction of the crowd, the film is a winner on laughs alone. The Hollywoodization is at times ridiculous. For instance, Redford and co-star Nick Nolte are besieged at one point by grizzly bears. So far as I know, there are no free ranging grizzlies in the US anywhere east of Wyoming. And often the movie has the characters — who are on a northbound trek — suddenly appearing well south of where they have already been. Atlantans were also delighted to see the Collonade Restaurant subbing for a trail-side eatery. But you know what? The Bryson and Katz characters embraced by Redford and Nolte are delightful, crude and funny. They capture the idea of redemption on a trail trek as well as the deep renewal of male friendship. My favorite character was an annoying hiker named Mary Ellen, a know-it-all who stole every scene she was in. I also enjoyed seeing my old friend Morgan Summerville and a few other folks featured in the background. ATC ED Ron Tipton told me that he is still kidding Morgan that he is the movie star now and Ron isn’t. So go see the film! It is not the most accurate portrayal of trail life by any means, but it is a loving treatment of one of my favorite institutions, our beloved AT.
THRU: An Appalachian Trail Love Story 