Movie Review: Wild
Now available on Blu-ray and DVD is the film based on best selling book by Cheryl Strayed called Wild. Wild stars Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon.
I didn’t realize going into the film that it was based on a book about actual events.
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Fox Searchlight Pictures invite audiences to embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery, with Academy Award®-Winner Reese Witherspoon, as Wild finds its way home on Digital HD™ March 17th and Blu-ray™ and DVD March 31st. Based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed and featuring Oscar®-Nominated performances by Witherspoon (Best Actress) and Academy Award-Winning co-star Laura Dern (Best Supporting Actress),Wild brings Strayed’s gripping and inspirational true story to life.
From the director of Dallas Buyers Club (Jean-Marc Vallée), Wild recounts the reckless behavior of Cheryl Strayed (Witherspoon), who makes a rash decision to embark on a challenging trek across the Pacific Crest Trail. With absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles all on her own — in what becomes an unforgettable journey of transformation and redemption that strengthens and ultimately heals her.
The Wild Blu-ray™ and DVD are packed with behind-the-scenes featurettes, an interactive trail map, audio commentary and deleted scenes, all designed to take audiences deeper into Nick Hornby’s adaptation of Strayed’s first-person memoir, “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,” which recounts her hike along the PCT, which stretches from Mexico to Canada.
The release also includes a chance for fans to go behind-the-scenes in “The Real Location Is The Best Location,” which delves into the authentic shooting process at the Pacific Crest Trail – the actual location where Cheryl Strayed began her journey. In “The Real Cheryl Strayed,” audiences can learn about the woman who inspired it all. Book and movie fans will also receive a touching story extension in a collectible booklet from author Cheryl Strayed when they purchase the movie on Blu-ray™.
Here is the trailer for your enjoyment.
SPECIAL FEATURES (BLU-RAY)
● The Real Cheryl Strayed
● The Real Location Is The Best Location
● How Much Does A Monster Weigh?
● The Pacific Crest Trail Interactive Map
● Deleted Scenes – with Optional Commentary by Jean-Marc Vallée
● Seven Promotional Featurettes
○ Bringing the Book Into The Wild
○ Reese Witherspoon in the Wild
○ Wild: 94 Days, 1100 miles
○ Directing Wild
○ Making Wild
○ Pacific Crest Trail
○ Real Locations
● Audio Commentary by Jean-Marc Vallée, Bruna Papandrea and David Greenbaum
● Experiencing the PCT: A Special Message From Cheryl Strayed
● Theatrical Trailer
● Gallery
I really didn’t know what to expect when I started to watch this film. I heard rave reviews about it so it piqued my curiosity.
The film starts off with Cheryl Strand (Witherspoon) preparing to start her journey the following morning. It was not made clear at that time why she was trekking over a 1,000 miles on her own. Her reasons didn’t become more clear until the movie continued on.
I was a little confused at first why a young girl with a wonderful relationship with her mother would turn to drugs, and why she cheated on her loving husband. As time went on the whole dynamics of Cheryl’s life and her relationship with the important people in her life became clear.
My husband said the film was a bit too “deep” for his taste. At first I didn’t “get it” but after seeing the whole story play out on the television screen I understood how Cheryl got to that point in her life and how this epic journey was a way for her to release her inner demons and become a stronger, better person because of it.
I know I could have NEVER done what Cheryl Strayed did. I want to pass out after walking 3 miles around a local lake, let alone over 1,000 miles through treacherous domain. Not only that, she put her life in danger with possible animal attacks (like the Rattlesnack she happened upon) and even the possibility of being raped or murdered by people she met along the way.
I couldn’t imagine sleeping in a tent by myself in the middle of no where in the pitch black dark. That is really scary. But I guess the bad things that Cheryl did in her life were far more scarier than the unknown.
Up until I watched this film I never heard of the Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT as it’s referred to in the film. The trail flows through some of the most breathtaking landscapes I have ever seen. I’m not inspired to follow in Cheryl’s footsteps, but I wouldn’t mind seeing some of these places in person.
I like that many of the scenes in the film were shot on location in the very same spots Cheryl took her personal journey on.
It was great to see Reese Witherspoon in a more “gritty” role. She’s “America’s Sweetheart” and tends to play sweet, funny roles. This is a whole new side to Reese. I could have done without the nudity and brief flashes of intercourse.
Overall I enjoyed the film. I wouldn’t call it a “chick flick” either. My husband felt it was too “deep,” but that is just his impression. It wasn’t too deep for me.
I have been inspired to read the book. I’ve added it on my list of books I want to read.
Wild is available now where ever films are sold.
Did you see the film? What did you think about it?
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
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