Customer Reviews

Art of Travel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For those of us lucky enough to have had a two week vacation turn into a 15 month voyage through some far away continent, this film really hits home. I have never encountered a film or book that was able to capture the peace and harmony that comes from the constant excitement and enjoyment of being absolutely free and exploring a world known by so few.

A great movie, for those that have been there.

I had no expectations for this film. I found it only by searching the keyword 'travel' in Netflix. I am, however, thoroughly surprised by all the positive reviews. The film locations are awesome, but the story is poor at best.

First, it starts with the retelling of an urban legend. You know the one: where the groom gets everyone to look under their chairs, and they pull out an incriminating picture of the bride. Not original at all.

Second, although the story is supposed to be one of self discovery, it has no flow, no real purpose. It jumps around so much that the main premise is not developed properly.

Third, the acting is shocking. Mind you they don't have much to work with.

Fourth, it is completely unrealistic, and gives an unrealistic version of travel. For example, the main character gets robbed when he first arrives in Nicaragua, but finds solace in a threesome with two gorgeous Dutch backpackers. On what planet do the hot women outnumber the guys at a hostel?

I can only assume that this film appeals to young men who want to believe that a dork with no world experience can travel unabated, despite having no money, and can always get the girl.

The grunge of the jungle and the new woman in his life
do not get him back into his life,
but pull him further away.
He must have gone back in some way to get his book published,
but he reminds one of Hemingway who was always
somewhere away from himself?
The romance of far away places can't get you a real life
no matter how good you get at it?
I liked the film, but I have reservations.

I am surprised at the very positive reviews given above for this film. I had been hesitant at renting the film as there were no positive reviews on the DVD cover as usual if a film has been very positively reviewed or has won awards at any of a number of film festivals that have multiplied around the world (Most companies would surely advertise any positive review on the DVD cover).

I rented the DVD as it looked interesting and was about one area that I had traveled in (Darien, Panama) and two that I would like to visit (Nicaragua and Peru). I also thought it couldn't be that bad to watch a film set in the warm colorful tropics while suffering through another dreary cold Michigan weekend.

The film had it's moments but they were very few and far between. I enjoyed the shots of Kuna villages in Panama, the overflight of what seemed to be authentic views of the rugged Darien province of Panama and of course who would not enjoy seeing footage of Machu Pichu and the Andes of Peru.

The Plot was choppy and loosely connected. The main character ditches his bride at the wedding alter and leaves for Central America. There is no character development to help you see what led up to this action or to share any joy in his dramatic flight from his situation. There are several scenes that are almost funny about how difficult it is to have a working shower in Nicaragua and some nudity thrown in to try to keep the viewers interest I imagine.

Off to the Darien in Panama for a record breaking attempt at crossing the roadless jungle with a jeep and a group of young adventurers. Sounds exciting but somehow they made it seem dull. There were moments as I mentioned above but mostly the film moved slowly with lots of machete chops, some lame heroic rescues of the jeep topped off by a very silly and improbable encounter with the leader of the FARC guerrilla movement from Columbia. My wife had long since stopped watching to go read a book but I continued hoping for at least some more scenery or perhaps some saving dialogue.

The filming of Machu Pichu was gorgeous but I would bet anyone with equipment set up there couldn't fail to impress if they tried. The film ends up travelogue/romance with a somewhat abrupt ending that was at least a little funny but did not resurrect my opinion. I admire the film-makers choice of a novel setting away from American suburbia but left feeling that I had just watched an amateur film supported by someone's rich uncle that didn't care about the quality of the product.

i loved the movie.too bad you cant read the book.end made me sad but one must make ones choices.its worth watching just for the scenery at a couple bucks.

Not 4stars because I expected more from its synopsis. As a movie of personal and travel discovery, I hoped the character would share more philosophies of life, as well as more scenery. I also didnt expect most of the movie to take place in the jungle. There were scarce scenes of the Americas' beautiful landscape, and I assumed his travels would show many more worldly sights. Nonetheless, it's relaxing, enjoyable; the actors are quite authentic and the ending is a clever one.

I bought this movie at a going-out-of-business sale at a local video store. No expectations going in, but boy was I ever inspired. I've since watched the movie 5 more times, most recently, during a stint where I've been working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. And yes, again, the movie moved and inspired me. Not every Hollywood endeavor needs to be an epic, special-effects masterpiece filled with the latest big screen heart-throbs. This movie is simple but compelling, moves along well, combines great scenery, a nice story-line, humor, intrigue and a little, I wish-I-were-there aspect to it. I was surprised at the negative reviews initially, but hey, everyone has different opinions. The movie is what it is. If you love adventure, the idea of travel, of life lived on the edge, with unexpected twists and turns; this movie has something for you. If you're in a rut and want a diversion, want something that might give you a sense that there is something else out there, you should probably watch it. Of the people I've recommended it to, all have liked it while one said it did have a B feel to it. And it does. Again, this is not To Kill A Mockingbird, or Shawshank Redemption, or Avatar. It is a good, fun movie that might just be right for you. Enjoy!

This movie really captures the feeling of itinerary free travel. It does have some rather corny moments, but besides that I thoroughly enjoyed it

Exceptional Movie. Dramatic, Funny, well acted. Beautiful cinematography. Loved it. Great Acting! Angelika Baran is superb.

Who among us hasn't been struck by wanderlust at one time or another in our life, that burning desire to leave everything behind, at least for awhile and partake in the adventure of a lifetime?

Synopsis: Such is the case for Conner Layne, a young man on the verge of marriage just weeks before entering college. When he discovers his bride-to-be has been unfaithful he literally leaves her at the altar, goes to the airport and asks the question at the ticket both that we would all love to utter, "Where's your next flight to?" And so begins young Conner's adventure into the jungles of Latin America.

Critique: `The Art of Travel" (2008) held my rapt interest from beginning to end. As with most independent films there probably aren't any names you'll recognize but a few faces maybe vaguely familiar. The star of this little gem is Christopher Masterson (Conner) who appeared as the oldest brother in the popular `Malcom in the Middle' television series. His character is likable, believable and surprisingly vulnerable. His jungle companion and new love interest Angelika Baran also delivers a memorable performance and her stunning good looks certainly doesn't hurt. Actually the entire cast does a wonderful job and despite what some other reviewers have written about this film there's definitely nothing amateurish about it on any level. At least that's my opinion. By the way, there's some beautiful scenic sequences as well.