Review of Into the Wild (2007) by Ross P — 20 Jan 2013

I didn't feel any particular connection to the character, who in my opinion was glorified for being inconsiderate and selfish. His story is an interesting one though. He wants to escape from a greedy, capitalist society as a way of discovering himself. The people he meets are finely developed characters but Chris learns nothing from their interactions; he has a profound effect on them, then somehow is able to abandon their relationship without caring. I saw a character that is too weak to deal with his problems, instead choosing to run away into the wilderness where he has little chance of surviving or finding a purpose.

The message is clear but to me not inspiring. This film is all about character, it tries to force one opinion on us, Penn desperately wants us to like Chris. We're supposed to think that he is rebellious, intelligent, imaginative and daring. If you step back and think for a second, you see a pointless story about a clueless boy with a dangerous obsession.