Random musings and questions

i. So we see Gilpin's character do the sewing needle on a leaf trick, something that every Scout has probably learned. It shows us that she's trained in outdoor survival but, otherwise, what was the point of knowing which way was north?

(Trivia: I think I read somewhere that you are statistically more likely to encounter civilization by heading downstream if you are lost in the woods. Yet, she turns aways from the river...)

ii. The initial shootout was a brilliant bit of misdirection. The focus is on recognizable faces from other series or movies -- Emma Roberts, Justin Hartley -- and then, poof, they are literally gone within minutes. We're left wondering who the main story is about?

When Gilpin reappeared I had totally forgotten about her, and my wife had to remind me.

iii. Ethan Suplee. Almost unrecognizable as the overweight schlub from Remember the Titans, and My Name is Earl. I see from youtube that he has dramatically lost weight and adopted a gym lifestyle. Good for him.

Shame about the knife through the head thing...

iv. The movie pretty much mocks both the hypocrisy of the far-left and the dumbed down far-right. I thought the jokes at the expense of the far-left landed harder, but good for the film makers for keeping things mostly fair.

v. Why the dramatic 'hide and later reveal' of Hillary Swank? Were we supposed to be shocked at the choice of actress, or what exactly?

vi. Was Don part of the hunting group or not? It was never made clear...

Not a classic or anything, but more entertaining than I was expecting.