We’re gearing up for summer, so it’s time to watch some movies and series that inspire us to get out there and explore! This week, we’re watching Sean Penn’s INTO THE WILD and Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s COSMOS. Buckle up.
But if you’re not into space and the great outdoors, feel free to look back at Episode 20 and Episode 19.
INTO THE WILD – Dir. Sean Penn (2007)
Based on the very true book written by Jon Krakauer from journal entries and first hand accounts, INTO THE WILD shares the amazing story of Chris McCandless (aka Alexander Supertramp) and his journey across the country. He decides to make this trek after graduating from college and giving away all of his savings to charity. His parents think he’s crazy, his friends don’t understand, but all he wants is to experience a life most people never will. Along the way he encounters all sorts of interesting people and has many unique experiences, culminating in his arrival in the vast frontier of Alaska.
This is a story about nature, survival, and the human spirit. It’s heartbreaking, motivating, and awe inspiring. Sean Penn takes us on the journey with Supertramp, played by the naturally gifted Emile Hirsch in his breakout performance. Jena Malone, Vince Vaughn, and Kristen Stewart round out the cast as the few people who support their friend’s quest. This movie isn’t likely to make you want to hitchhike to Alaska, but it very well may cause you to consider change in your life. The directing is superb, the characters are inviting, everything about this movie is fun to watch. But you may cry. Nature does that to people.
COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY (Season One)
Neil DeGrasse Tyson brings us back into the stars with this reboot of Carl Sagan’s classic series. It’s informative and thought provoking with breath taking cinematography and out of this world concepts (literally). You don’t have to be interested in learning or have a penchant for science to enjoy this show. Tyson has a very warm personality that sucks you in and makes you want to watch cool stuff happen in space. That’s really all you need in a good program, right?
My favorite thing to do is put this show on when it’s raining out and I have nothing to do. First of all, it teaches you about space, which is really the coolest thing ever. Secondly, Tyson has the most soothing voice since Morgan Freeman in MARCH OF THE PENGUINS, so if you’re not really interested you can just go to sleep. And thirdly, it’s just a really beautiful show! I have to assume they’re making up what some of these galaxies look like, because they’re simply unbelievable. I freakin’ love space so much, man! Unfortunately, there’s only one season to enjoy, but you will certainly learn a lot.
