Random Review: Into the Wild

Into the wild is an excellent film about an intelligent young man who despises materialistic things and therefore sets off into the wild on a journey to discover the world's true beauty; nature. The film begins with Chris McCandless (Emile Hirsch, marvelous in his breakout role), lashing out against his parents(William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden) because they insulted his worn out car and offered to buy him a new one. This is the first time we begin to see inside Chris and start understanding his motives for his adventure. Following this disagreement, Chris decides to pack up his bags, donate his savings to charity, and head off to Alaska; away from the material life of expensive cars and flat screen televisions. Throughout the film, Chris encounters extremely diverse groups of people and changes their lives forever. Near the end of the film, Chris, by chance, comes upon an old man named Ron Franz (Hal Holbrook- nominated for an Oscar for the role) who is battered and lonely. Chris develops a father son relationship with Ron in the most emotional stretch of the film. The film, beautifully directed by Sean Penn (better know for his acting abilities), takes it's viewers on a adventure of friendship, love, and fulfillment. 3 1/2 star rating.