Truly excellent film.

Rating: 9/10 (22 October 2007)

Rarely upon viewing motion pictures based on trues stories/books, etc. do I come into the process with high anticipation. More often than not I've found myself leaving the cinema morose and let down by yet another Hollywood director who has chosen to glamorize the story for his own ego ignoring the facts and the truth that needs no help on its own. This film, however, is different. Seasoned, veteran actors, such as John Hurt and Hal Holbrook, who might not normally lend their talents to a movie released on a smaller scale such as this, remarkably excel in their roles. Marcia Gay Harden relishes her role as McCandless's mother and it shows. The numerous backdrops where Chris "resided" on his journey are breathtaking, and the screenplay by the great Sean Penn left me with a lump in my throat more than a few times throughout the film. You owe it to yourself to see this picture. Moreover, read the book first for the exact insight into Chris's adventure, by Jon Krakauer, and then see the movie. I dare you to leave without swallowing a few lumps.