-Lack of forgiveness and reconciliation can ruin our lives. Ron Franz, the main voice of truth in this film waxes philosophical when he says "When you forgive, you love, and when you love, God's light shines down on you."
-Books are usually better than the movie rendition that follows... I'd read John Krakauer's book Into the Wild a few years ago and it is a much better story line.
-Much of our culture's theology is communicated at the cineplex. Sean Penn would want us to embrace experience as the ultimate in life. Certain characters are seeking truth but the main theme unhealthily elevates experience.
-Great books should be embraced. The main character in this film spends a lot of time developing his philosophy of life through literature. I appreciated his reading of Tolstoy's Wise Thoughts for Everyday and his focus on the following quote: "I have lived through much and now I think I have found what is needed for happiness. A quiet, secluded life in the country with the possibility of being useful to people..." -Leo Tolstoy. 
-Ultimately happiness is only real when we experience it together. -Emile Hirsch looks frighteningly like a young Jack Black.
-God's creation is absolutely beautiful (from Virginia to Mexico to Alaska).
-Wouldn't recommend this movie (a little too long, a little too rated R, and a little too much overindulged angst), but it's depth does cause one to think...
