INTO THE WILD

This true story about a 1990's college graduate who "drops-out" of society foregoing a trip to law school for a trip of self discovery is one of the best films of the year. Emile Hirsch is pitch perfect in the lead role and firmly establishes himself as one of the best actors of his generation. Sean Penn writes and directs in his best effort as a filmmaker to date. The soundtrack was brilliantly written and performed by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder whose music proves a perfect match for the film. Supporting roles are perfectly delivered all around Emile's lead by William Hurt, Hal Holbrook, Vince Vaugn, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener, and Marcia Gay Harden. I could nit-pick on a few minor missteps in the film...but why bother? This is a fantastic movie about personal discovery as well as forgiveness and understanding. INTO THE WILD was the first time I left the movie theater in 2007 thinking I had just seen one of the five Best Picture nominees...we'll see come January. 4 1/2 of 5 hs