This film made my mind review some of the interactions in my own family - I think we need to stop and look at things from the other guys point of view from time to time and just let them handle things in their own way. This is perhaps the hardes cut of all - Asner was great in this film - well worth watching.

Young, self-absorbed attorney Matt Fleming (Jason London) is sent out of the city and into the woods by his mother, who is worried over the welfare of Matt's crusty, eccentric nature-loving grandfather Jack (Ed Asner). Not surprisingly, Matt is in for quite a culture shock. Not only does Jack do without any modern conveniences, but he also enjoys wandering in the great outdoors completely naked. Even worse -- at least as far as Matt is concerned -- Jack has spent the entire family fortune on a patch of land that he intends to donate to a local Native American child. In trying to curb Jack's enthusiasm and control the old man's behavior, Matt instead ends up learning about how to fend for himself in the wilderness, a skill that comes in very handy during a serious mid-film crisis. Matt also applies what he has learned from Jack in his efforts to make a lasting commitment to his own girlfriend Linda (Meredith Salenger). Produced for cable's Hallmark Channel, Out of the Woods debuted April 2, 2005.

This is a very strange movie. It begins well enough and looks as if it might have some humor, then veers off into two less-than-appealing characters who we are told are grandfather and grandson. We would never guess it otherwise.

The grandfather's behavior at first is just plain mean. The grandson's is childish. His behavior in the wilderness verges on ridiculous. Okay, he's a city boy, but he's not stupid, nor hopelessly paranoid. Neither is really a character. Nor is there really a story.

This is an urbanite's Romantic dream of what life in the woods is like, complete with Rousseau's noble savages. The movie is preachy, but worse, the ideas preached are hopelessly vague, a mixture of common sense, Eastern mysticism and Indian lore.

The changes in the relationship move in fits and starts without adequate cause. There is also a totally unmotivated love interest. And the big change at the end will leave you shaking your head in wonder.

One wonders again: Who writes these things? And how did they get someone to put up several million dollars for this? I am sure there are better books out there than this. Why aren't they chosen for filming?

Suit yourself. I was not warned before I bought this DVD, but you have been.

I felt this was an important movie for families and young people who think there is only one way to live and be successful. When you follow the deepest part of the heart, a person can find success and happinest so rewarding that you really feel alive. Happiness and sucess is not about money alone. Ed Asner was gruff and often cruel, but sometimes that is what it takes to move us out of our comfort zone. Its a great story that reminds people they can always make another choice.
B.J. - San Jose

This is an amazing movie, very touching and emotional, and something I think all of us can relate to on some level. Highly recommended, and well worth three times the selling price. This movie was shown on the Hallmark channel when I first saw it.