This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

"A Walk in the Woods"

HHH

Premieres

If you're going on a journey, it's good to have familiar traveling companions — which is why "A Walk in the Woods" is a trip worth taking. Director Ken Kwapis ("He's Just Not That Into You") kicks off Bill Bryson's travel memoir with Bryson (played by Robert Redford) uneasy, so he decides to hike the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which doesn't sit well with his wife Catherine (Emma Thompson). At her insistence, Bryson finds someone to come along, and the only taker is his long-estranged buddy Steven Katz (Nick Nolte), an irascible troublemaker with some outstanding warrants. The two hit the road, running into such characters as a judgmental hiker (Kristen Schaal), a friendly motel owner (Mary Steenburgen) and a couple of wayward bears. Mostly, the script by Rick Kerb and Bill Holderman lets us enjoy Bryson and Katz talk about life, love, and the need for one last adventure. Redford and Nolte have an enjoyably prickly chemistry, and their ease with each other generates both humor and warmth.

- Sean P. Means

"A Walk in the Woods" is screening in the Premieres section of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. It screens again: Wednesday, 6 p.m., Sundance Screening Room, Sundance resort; Friday, Jan. 30, 9:30 p.m., Peery's Egyptian Theatre, Ogden.