Wild (2014)

I was hoping to see something that at least equals Emille Hirsch's Into The Wild (2007). I set my expectation that high after seeing the striking similarities on many aspects. As Into The Wild was, this movie is also a true story based lone character centered journey of hiking a long path, running away and seeking an atonement for his/her self- perceived dark past of relationships with others and life mistakes. The movie actually tries to follow suit with Into The Wild's recipe of crisscrossing the story flow between the journey itself and the past.

With the breakdown of her marriage and the death of her mother, Cheryl has lost all hope.  After years of reckless behaviour, and abuse to her body, and close friends, she makes decision to hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone.  This is supposedly the story of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddens, strengthen, and ultimately heals her, but unfortunately, its Reese Witherspoon walking............a lot.

A big disappointment, especially when considering the content of the book. Instead of focusing on the high adventure of her journey along the PCT, we are inundated continually with graphic depictions of her one night stands and heroin use. The film could have included her troubled past in an appropriate way, but did not. So if you enjoy nude scenes with druggies, watching losers shooting up and drugged out, and hearing the constant use of the F word, this is the film for you.

The movie is boring to watch and there is the problem. It's really slow and I believe I have never felt two hours taking so long in my life. I feel like something is missing in this movie, maybe some more dialogues or some climax because it was simply slow and boring after a while - but it was still a good movie overall. 

Wild is a great showcase for Reese Witherspoon's acting talent. From the first seen, the movie sets you up for how painful the journey will be with a do-it-yourself podiatry work scene on a broken toenail. From there on out the pacing is deliberately slow yet methodical. Self discovery requires much time spent pondering life and flash backs. Laura Dern gives a heart breaking performance as Cheryl's dying mother. 

The landscape of the trek is beautiful and the experience of a solo walk is worth seeing. But don't expect a rich story of self-discovery and redemption.

7.3/10-IMDb

90%-Rotten Tomatoes

76%-Metacritics 

6.5/10-Mine