Out of the Woods (2005)

The premise is not that unusual. A lot of ungrateful sons and/or daughters try to have parents put away. I have lived on a farm with an outhouse so I know it's not a pleasant place to spend time. We had propane gas for cooking and pump water for drinking or bathing..cold water like in this film..I have had kerosene lamps for light. No overnight delivery.I know that feeling,too. Whatever Ed Asner has going for himself in the woods I do understand and appreciate.Not everyone can understand that kind of life. Los Angeles is not mainstream America. Ed Asner seems to get better with age. His grandson, Jason London is becoming a pretty good actor and does well in this turn both playing off each other. Forget all these people trying to portray this as life lessons. It's not overly sentimental and it has a pretty good flow in the story telling. This is a pretty good walk in the woods.It gets a ten for the acting and a ten for the natural beauty of the location filming.

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.

Es Asner is the grandfather who returns for his quiet place in the woods after a life of looking for happiness in vain, he is visited by his grandson who has a mission of talking him out of acquiring a large piece of land and jeopardizing the family fortune in the process. The story gives Ed Asner the opportunity to put the thumbscrews on his grandson, and you can see he really enjoys doing so. Although the film results in a black and white choice between two ways of life and real life is much more complicated (and subtle!) the movie is entertaining (mainly thank's to Ed Asners convincing performance). The film is a potential eye-opener for those who feel their lives and the rat race have escaped their control. It's refreshing to see that the movie advocates making your own choices. Just for this I was able to put up with the fact that he is reading eastern philosophy in his log cabin.....

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!