Cinema Society

THE WAY

Average
Rating

3.9

Tuesday, October 04, 2011, Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 Theatre

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

On Screen: 4:30pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 Theatre

Cinema Chat (Aud. 14) begins 30 minutes prior to screenings

Introduction begin 15 minutes prior to screenings (Aud. 14 & 8)

Discussion follows screenings (Aud. 14)

THE WAY

THE WAY is a powerful and inspirational story about family, friends, and the challenges we face while navigating this ever-changing and complicated world.

Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son (played by Emilio Estavez), killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James.

Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son’s desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn’t plan on is the profound impact the journey will have on him and his “California Bubble Life”.

From the unexpected and, oftentimes, amusing experiences he faces as he’s joined by a group of other pilgrims from around the world—each with their own issues and looking for greater meaning in their lives along “The Way”-- this unlikely group of misfits creates an everlasting bond, and Tom begins to learn what it means to be a citizen of the world again.

THE WAY stars real father/son Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez and is directed by Emilio Estevez,

Rating TBA/ Running Time: 115 Minutes

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6-Oct-11: Jim - Rating: 5

The more I've thought about the movie, the more I've liked it. Maybe not an Oscar contending blockbuster but I found value in the relationships, in making a commitment to follow the Camino, and to see that there might be value for each of it's pilgrims.

6-Oct-11: Olivia - Rating: 5

Loving these actors has nothing to do with my rating. Well, maybe a little. I found the story touching…it pulled at my heartstrings quite a few times and surprised me at others. It contrasts the difference between how we live in the states and how people live in other countries. Georgi's comment about the "Wizard of Oz" is right on and Did they even need to spell out the why? I thought it was pretty obvious. His son taught him to "live" life and not just choose one. Would like to see it again.

6-Oct-11: Mark - Rating: 2

It is always fascinating to see how some movies evoke such disparate reactions. This one struck me as a valiant failure. I just never warmed to the premise, at least in part because the idea of walking the Camino has zero appeal to me, but also because the movie did not convincingly demonstrate why the Sheen character chose to undertake the trek. Though the scenery was beautiful, I thought the cinematography was weak, with too many odd framing choices and with frequently awful lighting. And the acting was far too often hammy and unnatural, a fault less of the actors, I think, than of the director.

5-Oct-11: KM - Rating: 5

Loved the movie and I'm ready to start walking the Camino. Maybe I'm biased since I am a big Martin Sheen fan but I want to see it again and take my family.

5-Oct-11: Mickey Kopol - Rating: 2

Instead of "The Way" the film should have been titled "The Why."

5-Oct-11: jh - Rating: 3

It’s no fun watching your kid trying to find himself. And it wasn’t fun watching four peregrinos trying to find their way. But it was rewarding. Those lost souls were searching for something. John 14:6- “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” I don’t know if that’s what Martin Sheen (a devout Catholic) was going for, but the spiritual nature of the pilgrimage is not to be denied.

5-Oct-11: pb - Rating: 4

Beautiful cinematography. Touching character revelation and development. I also loved the score. The slow pace was perfect. Having the 2 Pilgrims talk about their journeys was terrific.

5-Oct-11: PC - Rating: 5

For some reason this film on this particular day just happen to capture my spirit and love. I even cried on the way home. I just can't explain how it affected me his determination and devotion to his son. Maybe in truth, I need to take the walk!!

5-Oct-11: ETAG - Rating: 4

A sad but lovely travelogue of Spain and the human spirit.

5-Oct-11: Mroe - Rating: 3

I eventually grew to like the film and the characters, who I did not care for in the beginning (even as friendly as Joost was, he was like that puppy dog that won’t go way) and maybe that was the intent because until they came to terms with the why/how for truly being there on the “road” then we wouldn’t get to know the real them. This film reminded me of The Straight Story, that slow pace and build that was all about the journey and not necessarily the destination. I did like how the rest of the group seem to gather around and flock to Martin Sheen’s character like little ducklings to a mother duck…maybe they were lacking a father figure in their lives (and thought their dad’s would never take such a journey for them) or maybe they just liked the stability and determination. It’s weakest point (and there were others), was the camera/cinematography, this would have been a prime candidate for one of those films that captures the vastness and beauty with sweeping views of the land and sites. I don’t know if this was due to the location and having to work with foreign crew and equipment but it did not help the film…. at least to be able say “it may not be a great film but it’s visually amazing” or “the cinematography was spectacular”. This film is going to be a “hard sell” to friends and family except maybe for the world traveler or someone who has been or longs to go on the journey that is the Camino de Santiago.

5-Oct-11: Georgi - Rating: 5

A wonderfully peaceful film about a spiritual and emotional journey. The four characters are not much different than those from the "Wizard of Oz"...following a different kind of road to get the answers they already have inside. The relationship between father and son was heightened by the true to life relationship of the director and his star. Authentic and real to its very core, The Way was also a travelog with exceptionally wonderful cinematography. The musical score supported so many nuances from the gypsy rhythms to James Taylor. The movie surpasses the more-hyped "Eat, Pray, Love" but carries many of the same messges. And Jan...I would think this would be a wonderful film for a 13 year old which would open all sorts of meaningful communication.

4-Oct-11: RichG - Rating: 3

Martin Sheen will always be My President. Tonight he expanded his role to be father, mentor and student. This was a sweet "love story" between a father and a son. One that came just a little too late. Emilio paid great homage to the scenery along the way. He used it as background, but it was the fifth member of the group making the trek together. Hopefully filmgoers will enjoy the slow comfortable pace this adventure took. Tell your friends. Take your children.

21-Sep-11: Jan Percival - Rating: 5

Does anyone know if this is an appropriate film for a 13-y-o? Thank you