Even though he’s a political blowhard, I’ve always been impressed with the movies that Sean Penn has directed. His film “The Pledge” from a couple years ago may still be my favorite movie.

A couple of nights ago, I finally caught his most recent effort: “Into the Wild.” You’re probably familiar with the basic plot (based on a true story): young man, disgusted with society (and his parents) decides to retreat deeper and deeper into the natural world. Ultimately, nature consumes him.

The movie could’ve used a bit of editing, but overall, I really enjoyed it. And again, Sean Penn the director appears to be a completely different person from Sean Penn the guy who punches people in the face and writes screaming political diatribes. “Into the Wild” is a pretty nuanced film which manages to simultaneously catalogue some of the ills of society while conceding that society has something to offer (like telling you which berries are safe to eat.)

So, if you’re looking for a way to wile away 2 1/2 hours of your pointless existence, you could do worse.