The Way

Bottom Line: A fantastic and understated movie about faith and family, as seen in a man walking an ancient pilgrimage route.

The Gist: Tom (Martin Sheen) flies to France to tend to the affairs of his grown son (Emilio Estevez), who has died accidentally. Tom is shocked to find he was walking the ancient pilgrimage route of the Camino Del Santiago, from France to the Spanish cathedral where Saint James is believed to be buried. Tom decides to finish the pilgrimage, meeting other seekers along the way.

The Verdict: Watch it. This excellent movie explores faith without corniness or easy answers. Each pilgrim along the route is seeking something, but each is confused as to why they chose such an ancient practice in modern times. Acting out faith sometimes feels silly or pointless, but each finds some sort of answer when they discover what their question really is. Read my conversation with father/son team Sheen and Estevez.

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 for some thorny themes. Appropriate for teens.