Sean Penn Gives An Extraordinary Life A More Than Decent Tribute.

Rating: 9/10 (13 October 2014)

"Into the Wild", is a dramatisation of the unbelievably true story that shows the life of 24 year old Christopher McCandless (Who is amazingly portrayed by Emile Hirsch). Rejecting conventional life, the movie chronicles his journey into the wild in which he would sadly not return. But in those 112 days out there, he probably lived more than any other person glued to his screen or struggling to pay bills ever would.
Staying true to the non-fiction book by Jon Krakauer, and embellishing a little here and there. As he goes along his way he begins to learn more about life and meets a variety of interesting characters, built up by the movies impressive ensemble cast. Of course it's a reckless way to live, but the film wisely never judges. It really is an astounding work as true stories usually are. But just the fact that a person in his early 20's had survived that long with virtually no map or compass and just the open road, you can't help but be a little impressed.
What really makes the movie for me is the acting talent, surprisingly everyone complements each other and never underwhelms. Not only is Sean Penn a good actor, but also a very good director. Many of the large establishing shots really make the movie surprisingly intimate given McCandless and his journey. Finally when you have Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam fame providing your soundtrack, it's pretty hard not to be enticed.
Final Verdict: Definitely one of 2007's more impressive pictures. 9/10.