By Campbell Brown
Wild, a film based off of the book, stars Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) who sets off to hike the Pacific Coast Trail, trying to find her way through life after falling off the tracks following her Mother’s death. Armed with her 50 lb backpack, Strayed runs into several people along the way. Her lack of experience may slow her down physically, but mentally she is determined to keep going.
Witherspoon is outstanding throughout the entire film. Strayed is hiking the trail solo, Witherspoon was forced to act through expressions rather than conversation or interaction.The scenery in the film was also very appealing. The beautiful mountains added great amounts to the film. In terms of plot, the film did not seem to even have one. It was shot in a series of flashbacks to Strayed’s broken life balanced by the hike itself. For the length of the movie, there was not too much that happened. It seemed to be a film featuring one women walking the PCT, that is it, there was nothing more to it. Keeping the film alive was Witherspoon’s acting and the beautiful scenery.
The film has just been released on DVD however, I would not run out to buy it unless you are looking for a light, uneventful film. Maybe rent it for a rainy Sunday. I give the film a 3 out of 5 stars.
