The scenes in the wilderness are striking. It’s amazing when you think about how much of our country is just open space of forests and mountains, lakes and rivers, bears and snakes, I mean, there really is a lot of ‘wild’ out there. And while I would never, ever take a similar journey (I like my flat screens and high speed connections thanks very much), it’s incredible to watch someone else go through this very primal experience.

The only problem that I had was not even with any aspect of the film itself but was with the main characters motivation. I think a lot of people in high school or college will connect with this in a very emotional way because they are at this pivotal point in their lives where they themselves are struggling with these same questions. For me I was going into the film where it ended. His final realization, which I won’t spoil by giving away, was the thought that was in my head throughout the film. That made it difficult for me to empathize with him as much as I would have liked. Part of me felt like he was a spoiled, self absorbed kid who gave no thought to the pain he left in his ‘I’m-gonna-go-find-myself’ wake. He paid no mind to the sadness people were feeling as he fluttered in and out of their lives. Most viewers’ sympathies will be with Chris, mine was with his family, his sister and his friends; that definitely made this a different experience for me.

Review of the Special Features on this two disc set are coming soon…

If I could go back in time and actually show up to one of the screenings of this film before it was released I would in a heart beat because I know my overall take on it would be different. But, sadly I can’t so I have to stay in the some what minority of not being overly impressed with it. It was good, just not early as great as I was expecting.

Movie Grade: B
DVD Features Grade:
Overall Grade: B