Without a Paddle

Directed by Steven Brill.

Starring: Matthew Lillard, Seth Green, Dax Shepard, Burt Reynolds.

Classification: 16

Three childhood friends Dan, Jerry and Tom reunite at a friend’s (Billy) funeral. They decide to go on a camping trip after finding their child hood treasures in a shed and the proof of a pact they made when still children: to find “DB Cooper’s treasure”: an airliner highjacker who died when parachuting and left a big amount of money.

The three guys find out that Billy had carried out all the research, had found the maps and pictures… for them to go and find the treasure.

They start their trip in the forest, canoeing on Oregon’s river with death defying rapids. In the course of their adventures they meet a bear, two tree-hugging hippie chicks, two crazy backwoods farmers and discover fields of cannabis. Of course they have unreal and funny adventures, like the cell phone eaten by the bear. They make fun of each other’s fears. Shy doctor Jerry Conlaine (Matthew Lillard, Scream) especially has to put up with the ribbing of his friends, as he is the typical “hung up” guy: weak, short, suffers from asthma, and has an inordinate fear of the dark…

This film is a mix between Indiana Jones for the adventure and the suspense, The Beach for the youngsters’ discovery of themselves and American Pie for teenager humour. The aim is to make you laugh while scaring you, or at least keep you guessing. The great scenery, the wide screen views of vast open spaces make you feel like going on an adventure trip.

Even if it is a comedy, with cheesy gags sometimes, it is also a rite of passage for the three guys, as it emphasises the doubts one can have as he matures. Dan (Seth Green) especially, changes throughout this experience because he is at the age when a man has to decide to commit himself to a relationship, he has to settle in a job, which may seem boring and contrary to the desire of Freedom that a man in his late 20s may have. This idea of maturity and responsibilities fighting against children’s dreams and fantasy is very interesting for young people who might understand the conundrum.

Finally, we cannot forget Burt Reynolds’ performance as a crazy mountain man who helps the three guys in their quest and who is the funniest man in the film.

In short, Without a Paddle is a good film to watch with friends, to have a good time, to forget your worries.