This movie was directed by Sean Penn who does a bit of gorilla filmmaking in this picture. The lead character in this story is played by actor Emile Hirsch, from such movies as Speed Racer (2008). His talent shines through as Chris McCandless a young man who turns his back on the ways of modern day society. He becomes a drifter and decides to adventure into the wilderness with nearly nothing after giving away $24,000 to charity. He meets all types of people along the way of his travels. And he sees nature with a clear set of eyes.
There is some added narration done by his sister who is played by talented actress Jena Malone who you might remember from the movies Cheaters (2000) or Saved! (2004). I happen to remember her from the movie Donnie Darko (2001). His parents are played by William Hurt as Walt McCandless and Marcia Gay Harden as Billie McCandless. There are a few other noted actors that appear in this one such as Catherine Keener as Jan Burres and Vince Vaughn as Wayne Westerberg. You will also see up comer Kristen Stewart as Tracy Tatro from Twilight (2008) and Zach Galifanakis from The Hangover (2009) as Kevin.
What sets this story apart, is the way it was told, and how we see the character Chris depart from all that he has known in his life. He enters a deeper world of adventure and danger. He struggles to find himself along the way, and his actions ultimately decide what happens. The music was an interesting choice for the scene transitions and becomes an anthem through the film as he tries to make his way to Alaska. If you have the time, it might be worth the watch, the movie is long.
My wife and I went to see this one when it came out back last November 26th in 2008. The story sets with all of their parents divorced and it’s during the Christmas holiday season. There is a lot of tension between each family and they each have their own personal problems.
We thought the story and the comedic timing was very well done. There are certain moments in films where the jokes either work or they don’t , this time it worked, and they were well delivered by leading actors Vince Vaughn probably best known from the film Wedding Crashers (2005) in the role of Brad. The lovely Reese Witherspoon plays Kate who is best known from the Legally Blonde (2001) and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003) movies.
The other cast includes veteran actors: Robert Duvall as Brad’s father Howard, Sissy Spacek as Brad’s mother Paula. One of his brothers is played by Jon Favreau as Denver who is a friend of Vince Vaughn they have worked together before in movies such as The Break-Up (2006). Jon also is a director, but he didn’t direct this one. His other brother is played by country music singer Tim McGraw as Dallas who is married in real life to country music star Faith Hill. I thought he did well in this role, maybe there is room for him in Hollywood as an actor.
There are more noted actors in this such as Kate’s parents who are played by Mary Steenburgen as Marilyn who is married in real life to actor Ted Danson. And her father is played by future screen legend Jon Voight as Creighton. Her sister Courtney is played by Kristin Chenoweth who you have probably seen in the movie RV (2006). She has a bubbly personality that shows on screen. It is fitting that she already did a voice for the Disney movie Tinker Bell as Rosetta. She will be in the upcoming Tinker Bell movie also doing the same character voice over.
Dwight Yoakam also makes an appearance in this one as Pastor Phil. There must be a country music connection going somewhere with the casting of this film. Also keep an eye open for screen star Jack Donner who also appears as Grandpa and Colleen Camp as Aunt Donna. I recommend seeing this one.
