Critic's Grade: C+

Frank's film tip: Feel free to get lost during this noteworthy TRAVEL through the eyes of filmmaker Thomas Whelan's cinematic journey into the scenic Central American landscape

When you serve up a film that suggests the art of traveling, it better be adventurous in its scope. Fortunately for director Thomas Whelan this is the case with the nature-ridden narrative The Art of Travel. Interestingly, Travel is very reminiscent of filmmaker Sean Penn’s poignant Into the Wind (2007) due to the exploratory themes of a young man looking for self-discovery in the great outdoors. Sadly, Whelan’s slight narrative doesn’t have the in-depth sentiment and solid characterizations to completely sell this exposition as an all-round structured story in comparison to the aforementioned Wind. Still, on its own feet The Art of Travel is an ambitious, involving and extensive travelogue that challenges the imagination.

Screenwriter Brian La Belle is instrumental in conveying the sense of transitional phase that bombards his youthful protagonist as his distinctive journey unfolds. Regrettably, Travel meanders at times and feels sluggish in certain instances. Nevertheless, La Belle’s script does incorporate doses of wittiness, introspection and the allure of curiosity embedded within the exotic locales. Thankfully, Travel works best when Whelan’s camera captures the intriguing mystique of the rough yet majestic jungles that are indescribably breathtaking. There’s a soulful spirit and underlying sweetness about this feasible fable that allows one to remain contemplative and connected.

The film follows the free-spirited path of articulate high schooler Connor “Roadkill” Layne (Christopher Kennedy Masterson from TV’s “Malcolm in the Middle”) who seems to have all his ducks in a row. Connor has it made at a quick glance with a supportive family including a loving Bolivian mother (Maria Conchita Alonso) and spunky pretty sister (Bijou Phillips). Because of Connor’s academic excellence, he’s won a full scholarship to college. On top of that he’s about to be hitched to his high school sweetheart at the altar. Overall, things couldn’t be more defined for the enterprising young man.

Finally, Connor had to climb out of his safe bubble and realize what his immediate future holds. After exposing the inappropriateness of his cheating bride and best man at his wedding before exchanging vows, Connor decides to chuck his current predicament for spontaneous plans to travel aimlessly. Thus, our hero decides to analyze his existence and venture to Central America to test the torrid waters of freedom.

At first, Connor is confronted by the harsh realities of his surroundings in the undesirable Nicaraguan squalor. After being exploited with run-down living accommodations, impoverished locals, thieves and street thugs Connor actually settles into a groove. Eventually, he meets up with European babes while planning his next relocation—this time to Panama.

It’s not long before Connor undertakes the memorable portion of his travels when he meets up with Christopher and Darlene Loren (Johnny Messner and Brooke Burns) in a Panamanian bar. The couple convinces the young traveler to join them on a treacherous expedition (along with their band of machete-wielding dwellers) through the notorious Darien Gap. Connor, realizing that his opportunity to return to the States and enroll in college in now an afterthought, follows the Lorens and dares to soak up the atmospheric turmoil of the brutal bushes.

Hence, Connor assimilates with the Lorens’ team to do the impossible—trek through the mountainous mess of bothersome insects, poisonous snakes and ruthless guerillas while paving a road in the tricky terrain with a durable jeep as their only dependable transportation. The determined group experiences the up-and-down results of their jungle-clearing agenda. Connor and his comrades enjoy the company of the territory’s children, relax to song and dance, get involved with a near-fatal jeep accident and continue to wrestle with the unpredictability of the wooded wasteland. Predictably, Connor finds gradual love and affection for one of his curvaceous cohorts.

Methodically, the film carries on as we observe the comradeship between Connor and his crew through off-kilter practical jokes, intimate sessions and revealing discussions of sorrow. After nearly a year of chopping their way through the monotonous meadows set against great expectations and reflection, Connor disbands from the Lorens as well as his cherished galpal in favor of wandering to newer picturesque locations that may contain more compelling quests that lie ahead.

Given the questionable logical gaps that exist in the film (the trusty jeep that produced year-long magical gasoline in the jungle, Connor’s endless funding taking him around the globe, etc.), one can overlook some of the implausibility flaws. No doubt The Art of Travel showcases its colorful adventure as we’re taken on a reflective ride and reminded that nothing is necessarily set in stone. Frankly, the film suggests that we need to make our own mark unconditionally. Although Travel is thoughtful and visually stimulating, the movie could have been shortened and focused more on Connor’s inner ambivalence and how the excessive traveling has impacted (or conflicted) him psychologically.

Surprisingly, the film is frequently stagnant when the action is suppressed by the jungle-based jaunt that has no particular rhyme or reason beyond Connor’s need to spread his indecisive wings. There are some nice moments and we briefly see the vulnerabilities with a couple of the supporting characters—particularly Messner’s redemptive Christopher Loren as the quietly grieving leader hanging on to bittersweet memories. As for Masterson, he’s suitable as the film’s global tour guide Connor Layne but we are never convinced of his perplexing dilemma and whether or not his random Latin American field trip fulfilled his ambiguous destiny. After Connor’s Damien Gap exploits and the break-up of his lovely wide-eyed companion looking for commitment, he’s off for another round of exciting sight-seeing at the tail end of the film that unintentionally undermines the unique purpose of the previous wild-oriented wilderness exploration.

Importantly, The Art of Travel is a quaint and inspirational melodrama that is warm, touching and promising in its bid to examine the realm of one’s hungry psyche.

Frank rates this film: ** and a half stars (out of 4 stars)

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