Matt, a self-absorbed young attorney, goes to visit his grandfather - an eccentric recluse who lives in the backwoods without gas, electricity, or phone - to convince him not to give away his estate as he plans to do. But in the end, it is Matt who is convinced to make some life changes. Jason London and Ed Asner star. When a woman needs someone to look after her aging father (Ed Asner), her irresponsible son isn't her first choice. Matt (Jason London) can't get his career, love life, or wallet in order, so how can he be expected to check in on his grandfather? But desperation leads Matt to visit his grandfather at his home in the middle of nowhere. For Matt, this barebones life takes some adjustment, but then he meets a single mother who helps him learn about the simple life.
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Reviews
Very well executed
This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.
Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.
One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.
I always give extra points for movies (even TV-movies) that are different. And this one is different. First, it elevates itself well beyond what we often see on the Hallmark TV channel. But every once in a while, Hallmark scores, and here it did.I think we always knew that Ed Asner was a fine actor, almost most of us remember him primarily from The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Here we are reminded once again of just how good he really is. He plays an old man who was sought out a different life for himself, which has estranged him from his family. Through some plotting by his daughter, he is reunited with his grandson, who comes to learn that he (Asner) is dying, and has chosen a unique way to do so. Asner helps teach the grandson that city life isn't everything...although he does so through some tough lessons. No, it isn't a happy ending, but it is a real ending...though unique to non-Native Americans.Jason London does a fine job as the grandson, although I'll wait to decide on just how good an actor he is. The other parts are handled well. The script is good. This is a winner for Hallmark.
Does Larry Levenson of Hallmark just enjoy creating the same theme where people visit older folks and redeem themselves before the latter pass on? We see this theme over and over in many of Levenson's productions and "Out of the Woods" is no different.When a grandson, an attorney, is sent to deliver legal papers to his grandfather, who has moved to the woods, the former gets much more than he ever bargained for.This is basically a story of getting away from the rat race and a return to nature. While a good movie, it is cliché.The movie goes downhill when Asner is revealed to be suffering from a terminal illness. He does go gently into that good night by going off into the forests.Of course, the film brings out the grandson's redeeming qualities and that he can do better than the girlfriend he has been seeing within the L.A. scene.
I know ten is a little high for this one, but I have to admit, I really liked Asner's work, and in this piece he portrays an elderly student/teacher of life. The twinkle in his eye throughout the film reveals that he's having a ball with the role. Admittedly, there are corny moments that go along with the particularly corny music at the film's beginning. Also, there is a bit of irritating Hollywood politics, as they feel their viewers are too stupid to be politically aware, themselves. There are also those occasionally glaring questions, such as...Don't these attorneys actually WORK? But in all, it was a kind and restful movie--Perfect for just sitting down and getting away from reality for a little while.
What an entertaining movie! I have always loved Ed Asner, especially as "Mr. Grant" from, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show". But Jason London has really matured into a fine actor. I loved his performance in "The Man In The Moon" with a very young Reese Witherspoon. He was awesome in "Dazed And Confused" (Not to mention very cute!!) But he has really come into his own as an actor. He physically carried himself well and is more confident than ever! He's turned into a handsome and talented young actor! I hope to see more of him in these types of roles! How about a romantic lead? He has the looks and quite a "boyish" charm about him! I have to admit, seeing him in his "skivvies" was a plus in this movie! Jason, you rock my world!