“How wild it was, to let it be.” – Cheryl Strayed from Wild

OVERALL: Wow. This movie is intimate and powerful and left me breathless. I wanted to start hiding long distances the minute the credits started to roll. See it.

POINTS: The thing is this movie is a perfect “experience.” You feel it in your bones and breath. Just see it.

I would also suggest you read the book.

PITFALLS: Hmmm… Not sure.  I know that I will be filled with RAGE if either Reese Witherspoon or Laura Dern are denied their Oscars. Rage.

FEMALE CHARACTER(S): This movie is about Cheryl Strayed perfectly played by Reese Witherspoon. She is a woman who, for lack of a better term, is rising above herself and trying to make herself a better person. I know that sounds trite but it is not. It is a real soul journey that is visceral, exhausting, and fulfilling. Oh heck just go see the movie.

Plus huzzah to Laura Dern for her impeccable portrayal of Strayed’s mother Bobbie.

CULTURAL PITFALL(S): Hmmm… Well the “hunters” in the movie were stereotypical bad people. First they were not real hunters as they were carrying firearms and drinking beer. Yes I know, some of you like to drink beer when hunting, HOWEVER we all know you do not shoot and drink that that is that. They were also idiots and acted in a predatory way towards our heroine. Bother. The hunters I know would have shared water and a meal and never been rude. *sigh*

HIGH POINT(S): All of it. The stillness of this movie was amazing. I could feel the “wild” in the movie and also Strayed’s exhaustion with her walking. I could feel myself breathe with her. It was an amazing experience.

BECHDEL TEST (Website): 3 of 3. Great scenes between Cheryl and her mother, masterfully played by Laura Dern.

RACIAL BECHDEL TEST (Website): 1 of 3. I really enjoyed Mo McRae as Jimmy Carter. Yes, his character’s name is Jimmy Carter. 🙂

IMDB: Wild (2014)

OFFICIAL MOVIE WEBSITE: Wild (aka How Wild It Was)

DVD/BLU-RAY WORTHY: Yes.

LION PAW PRINTS:  3.5 of 5

TRAILER: Wild Official Trailer (2014) – Reese Witherspoon Movie HD

BOOK TRAILER: Hear Cheryl Strayed talk about her book and her experiences. Also shows pictures from her life and journey.

CFR: In Addition: Happy Birthday to me. 🙂 Yup, today is my birthday. Maybe I’ll go hiking. 🙂