The Way

Emilio Estevez’s debut behind the camera was 2006’s Bobby. Though well received for a first time effort, its major flaw was its abundance of characters meaning there were too many story lines going on at once and performances got lost amongst the edit. There’s no problem of that happening in The Way though, as Estevez strips the story down to its basics. Taking the lead is his old man Martin Sheen as Tom Avery a grumpy and stubborn American doctor who, after learning of his son’s (played by EE himself in a few flashback scenes) death on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, decides to walk the route himself and scatter his son’s ashes at the end. On his trip he finds a number of individuals tagging along, usually to his annoyance. First of all this is as a skeleton script as you’ll see. However, as mentioned above, Estevez loves his characters and this is all about their individual journeys and if they attain redemption at the end. Sheen is on great form, playing Avery’s emotional repression to perfection whilst he trudges along the lengthy route. He also mixes Avery’s personality with bright eyed innocence and seen it all before world-weariness as anyone would of that age taking on something so simple looking, yet unfamiliar. The other actors are fine as well, but they are saddled with some serious stereotypes. For example: Joost - He’s Dutch - He’s all friendly and relaxed! Jack - He’s Irish - He’s crazily loveable and up for the craic! Sarah - She’s Canadian – She’s all moody and aloof! (Hang on, that one’s not right). Throw in a desperately trying too hard scene involving a gypsy man scolding his son for stealing and you have some character studies not seen since the hey-day of The Fast Show. Let’s not be too churlish here though. Unashamedly, Estevez has made a feel good move and frankly, why not? If a film can lift your spirits then all the more of them please. In terms of his actual direction there’s nothing fancy here, but he does give us some amazing shots of the Iberian countryside and the walkers amongst you will be checking out when you’re going to be making the pilgrimage yourself.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict

If you fancy a break from the mainstream then this is for you. It has its faults, but it’s still enjoyable and should give you a spring in your step for a few days. Rating: 7/10.