Plot: Right after graduating college, 22-year-old Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) walks away from his privileged life and toward a search for adventure. Eventually, his travels take him to Alaska where he attempts to brave the elements. Based on Jon Krakauer’s acclaimed bestseller. Who’s it for: Well, I’ll tell you who it’s not for … parents. I just don’t think most parents will be able to get over Chris’ abandonment of his family.
Expectations: I really liked the book, and with names like Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch and Vince Vaughn attached to it, I was hoping for something good. Also, it’s over two hours long. This shouldn’t detract from seeing it, just get comfortable.
SCORECARD
Actors: Emile Hirsch as Christopher McCandless: Whenever I have the chance, I talk about Shia LaBeouf being the best young actor. Well, he officially has company. Hirsch fully embraces the carefree wonderment that is needed for us to go on this journey with him. Grade: 9
Vince Vaughn as Wayne: It’s always nice to see Vaughn in a drama, if you don’t believe me watch “A Cool, Dry Place.” He adds his personality and a touch of humor to this small role of Christopher’s boss in Nebraska. Grade: 8
Hal Holbrook as Ron Franz: Ron comes out of nowhere toward the end of the film and immediately provides a spark. If “Into the Wild” doesn’t appeal to Academy Award voters that probably won’t stop Holbrook from getting nominated. His character also gives the most tear-jerking scene in the film. Grade: 10
Rest of cast: William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden are perfect and once again prove Will Smith was right, parents just don’t understand. And on the opposite spectrum, Catherine Keener and Brian Dieker (steals every scene) fully capture two hippies who are able to connect with Chris on a closer level. Grade: 9
Talking: There is plenty of quiet time, and lines such as, “It’s important not to be strong, but to feel strong.” Both Hirsch and Jena Malone, as Chris’ sister Carine, have voiceovers, with Carine allowing us to realize the bigger picture to Chris’ journey and decisions. Grade: 9
Sights and sounds: Anytime you can have Eddie Vedder added to the soundtrack, it’s a huge plus. Penn’s style of directing seems to revert back to the ’70s, and just like Robert Redford’s “Jeremiah Johnson” there are some beautiful landscapes captured. And an easy mistake other films make is jumping timelines, but Penn explains it well, always giving us time to adjust. Grade: 8
PLOT SPOILERS
Best Scene: Early in the film a scene drives me nuts. It’s Chris, his sister and parents sitting in a crowded restaurant, shortly after he is able to escape on the open road. This serves as the perfect moment to see if you want to go on this adventure with him or not.
Ending: I don’t know how many people understand this is based on a true story. I think that makes a world of difference. This is not a film about everyone’s need to escape, it’s about the real-life Chris McCandless’ tragic journey.
Random Thoughts: He couldn’t even call his sister? No postcard or anything? Plus, when I interviewed Hirsch, it was interesting to hear him say he didn’t improvise or ad-lib, but instead felt that through proper research was able to channel what Chris would have said at certain times (like talking to the apple).
Rewatchability: Even though it clocks in at two and a half hours, I saw it twice before opening weekend and was able to bring my friend who absolutely loved it.
OVERALL “Into the Wild” won’t appeal to a large audience … and who cares? This is a brilliant, personal film. Those who have dreamed of escape, adventure or a different approach toward life will fall in love with this film. Sean Penn has directed before with “Crossing Guard” and “The Pledge” but he easily does his best directing here. Christopher McCandless’ journey wasn’t just about running away from society and his parents, but was an intelligent, thought-through decision. Most of us aren’t ever going to leave everything behind, but for those who are curious, “Into the Wild” gives a beautiful glimpse at the adventures and unfortunate tragedies that can be discovered.
Overall Grade: 9