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Rating: 8/10 (29 September 2007)

Greetings again from the darkness. On the road to self-discovery, Christopher McCandless meets many interesting people. The film is kind of a cross between "Forrest Gump" and "Harold and Maude". Based on the true story of McCandless and his attempt to drop out of society, live as one with nature and discover his soul. He takes much of his guidance from the writings of Tolstoy, Thoreau and Jack London.
The film grabs you, but you can't really be sure why. It must have something to do with all of us carrying that buried desire to really find ourselves. Problem is, we are too caught up in living life every day to do something so selfish.
Emile Hirsch (the new "next big thing") is outstanding in the lead role. We like him and find ourselves pulling for him. He is a positive influence on those he meets, although we can't be sure if the real Chris McC was this influential. Still it is fascinating to travel with him as he truly gets naked to the world.
Supporting cast is fine, though Marcia Gay Harden and William Hurt are given little to do. Always nice to see Jena Malone on screen (here as Chris' sister). Catherine Keener and Brian Dierker are a nice touch as the hippie couple who take Chris McC under their wing ... or is it vice versa? Vince Vaughn has a brief role as a "great man". Kristen Stewart plays a 16 yr old with a nice voice, short shorts and a crush on Chris. The best supporting role goes to the great Hal Holbrook as the lonely guy who teaches and learns in his stint with Chris.
Director Sean Penn (yes, the greatest American actor) delivers wonderful visuals and plenty of opportunity for head scratching and soul searching. My only fault with the film is my serious doubt that this guy was such moral giant and life teacher at age 23. Heck with those skills, he could have been better than Dr. Phil!! Must mention the bevy of terrific Eddie Vedder ballads ... his best stuff in years.