[Steven Gebs]

Great, great movie.

The movie is very true to the book. If you enjoyed the book you will definitely enjoy the movie. Emile Hirsche does a fantastic job portraying Christopher McCandless. When I read the novel for the first time a few years ago, it made a lasting impression on me. I will never forget the story of Christopher McCandless. He was not afraid to live his life the way he wanted to. He went on fantastic adventures all over the country and was not afraid to challenge himself.

The cinematography and the nature scenes were stunning. From the moment the movie started I was totally engaged from start to finish. The movie is about 2.5 hours and it doesn't drag at all. This is a great directorial effort from Sean Penn. I am so glad that more Americans will be exposed to the story of Chris McCandless. It's such a tragic, moving, and beautiful story.

[Holadem]

Mr Penn has crafted a fine film that feels true. The non-linear screenplay cleverly turned what could have been a tedious exercise in preachy self-indulgence into a poignant, often funny, mostly tragic tale of self-discovery. A bit overlong perhaps, but I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. Recommended.

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H

[Robert Crawford]

This thread is now the Official Review Thread for "Into the Wild". Please post all HTF member reviews in this thread.

Any other comments, links to other reviews, or discussion items will be deleted from this thread without warning!

If you need to discuss those type of issues then I have designated an Official Discussion Thread.



Crawdaddy

[Steven Gebs]

I am suprised there aren't more reviews of this movie! I really loved this book and when I heard it was being made into a film I was ecstatic. I plan on seeing this again. I honestly think this movie will be up for some awards.

[Patrick Sun]

Idealism at its most extreme, "Into the Wild" takes us on a journey of self-discovery and self-reliance that Christopher McCandless makes after graduating from college in the early 1990's. Part of me is so practical-minded that it was hard to believe the lengths Christopher (self-renamed Alexander Supertramp) would go to to be rid of his former life of advantages, and his chains of conformity, of living to fulfill expectations of others. He definitely lived life on his own terms, but it felt a little too selfish (the impact of his absence on his family), in light of a dysfunctional homelife from his perspective. Even so, the journey is compelling viewing, and director/writer Sean Penn does a nice job with the pacing, as well as getting a strong performance by Emile Hirsch, and the supporting cast, too.

I give it 3 stars, or a grade of B.

[BrianShort]

I give this film /

I watched "Into the Wild" last night, after reading through about 3/4 of the book (which I finished tonight). Sean Penn does an excellent job translating a fantastic work of investigative journalism into a meditative film that attempts to provide some insight into the mind of a young man who feels he needs to break his bonds with society and live on the fringe of civilization. I couldn't help but be entralled by Chris's two year odyssey, and at points long for a similar adventure (with more safetly nets!).
Emile Hirsch (who at times reminds me of Leonardo DiCaprio), gives an outstanding performance as Chris McCandless. It's safe to say he threw himself into the role, reportedly losing up to 40 lbs to appear as the emaciated McCandless at the end of the film, as well as performing all of his own stunts. The supporting cast all give very good performances as well. Many of the people he meets on his journey are even more interesting than Chris himself. I wouldnt mind hearing more about the lives of the hippie couple he meets and stays with for awhile. I want to visit that community they spend time at.
The movie was shot entirely on location at the locales Chris travelled through, and the cinematography throughout is fantastic.

Highly recommended.