Simply Millennial

 INTO THE WILD – In theaters now!

In January of 2004, when I was making my way across this great country, my traveling partner Christina was plowing her way through the book that this film is now based on. She would read while I drove, and then she’d update me after her sessions. The premise of the book sort of matched our own adventure at the time, and it produced lots of exciting energy between the two of us.

Now, nearly four years later, Sean Penn has written the screenplay and directed the movie based on Christopher McCandless’ real-life journey across North America and his attempt to survive in the wilderness of Alaska.

What is so gripping about this story is that it really happened, and it was well documented by McCandless himself. He is played by Emile Hirsch (Alpha Dog), who reminds me of Leonardo DiCaprio circa Romeo and Juliet. The rest of the cast is outstanding in their supporting roles, but Hirsch is who really stands out here.  As was true about the book, the film tugs at an inner dilemma most people have when discussing McCandless – is he a thoughtful rebel, or a selfish moron?

The film is 140 minutes, so eat, piss, and stretch before you go see it. While you’re watching it though, you don’t really feel like you’re waiting for it to be over. It’s hard to peel your eyes away, and you might catch yourself reflecting on your own path to self-discovery.

This is an essential movie for EVERYONE to watch. Look for it at your local indpendent theater – I don’t think it’s real big in the commercial movie stadiums.

INTO THE WILD gets 5 out of 5 popcorn tubs from me!