absorbing and thought-provoking

Rating: Null/10 (15 January 2008)

Beginning in the early 1990s comes the true story of Christopher McCandless, a bright young man who's lived his entire life in the shadow of his demanding parents. Having just graduated from Emory University, he abandons all he knows and sets out on a courageous adventure of self-discovery. His mission: make it to Alaska and live happily amidst the peace and beauty of the wilderness, but along the way he encounters a series of characters who have an indelible affect on his life. Poignant, insightful coming-of-age tale loses some impact in the latter half, but nevertheless it's a thoughtful, emotionally gripping journey with strong acting and sturdy direction from Penn, though the use of chapter headings doesn't always seem necessary. Hirsch—showing some profound acting chops—is extraordinarily moving and believable as a restless young man trying to find himself. ***