The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Review
RYAN: This is a new dramedy starring and directed by Ben Stiller, and I’m not a B.S. fan but I have to tell you, he impressed me on both accounts in this movie. It’s an incredibly fulfilling, beautiful, visually brilliant film that I’m surprised I liked so much.
MICHAEL: It was a very personal turn for Ben Stiller, aside from the typical comedies he’s done in the past. This is a love letter to daydreamers everywhere.
RYAN: Absolutely and that’s one of my favorite things about it. Walter is such a unique character and this explores the story of someone teetering so loosely between fantasy and reality. I love that. It’s fun, especially early on in the film because when he daydreams it becomes like a big, action, blockbuster movie. The effects are very cool and big, but then tempered and balanced with a really artistic, quiet and indie-feeling movie at other times.
MICHAEL: I was worried in the first half it wouldn’t break from all the daydreaming but it does become more more grounded when it becomes a journey movie.
RYAN: An adventure.
MICHAEL: Exactly… he goes on the search and when he embarks, I love where the movie goes. It’s actually very inspiring.
RYAN: I agree. There’s was, however, an element to the movie where I almost couldn’t tell what was fantasy and what was reality because it’s set up to show both… but eventually you figure out what is what.
MICHAEL: Right. It’s like a Total Recall sort of turn, like, “Did that happen, or…?”
RYAN: Right. But it’s cool how it all unfolds.
MICHAEL: There are some very cool artistic things going on in this film. I’m sure it’s even more rewarding after another viewing.
RYAN: The cinematography is so gorgeous – all of the framing and each shot looks like a beautiful photograph; just the composition and colors, locations… breathtaking. It makes you feel like you’ve traveled.
MICHAEL: And it wasn’t like he was going to sunny destinations. There are interesting locales in this film, some perilous. And the soundtrack was beautiful. I wanna listen to some of those tracks again right away.
RYAN: Yes the music was very effective. Kristen Wiig was great. She looks adorable and acts way better in this movie than she did in Girl Most Likely earlier this year. She really proves her chops in this movie. She doesn’t play funny. She’s sincere and does a good job.
MICHAEL: And Sean Penn as the mysterious photojournalist! He was fabulous. He was kind of a Hunter S. Thompson figure; a legendary solo character. And I found ironic that one of the people Walter admires the most isn’t exactly what he expects.
RYAN: Sean was great. He looks so weathered in this movie and it was also great seeing Shirley MacLaine.
MICHAEL: She’s fantastic. Who was the sister?
RYAN: Oh that’s Kathryn Hahn. She’s such a brilliant supporting actress. I love her every time I see her.
MICHAEL: She was funny. And Adam Scott as the boss. He plays nasty so well. I liked him in Step Brothers too.
RYAN: The one thing about this movie that irked me to no end was the shameless product placement. It always bothers me in a film, but in a good film, it’s almost even more offensive. eHarmony is all up in this movie. It’s written vitally into the script. I’d have preferred it to be a make believe dating site. And Cinnabon and Pap John’s!
MICHAEL: And Dell.
RYAN: Aside from that it’s really a well done, methodical and deliberately-paced movie. But there’s a quiet intensity to it that pays off. I remember worrying during it that it wouldn’t payoff but I’m so happy it does. I don’t wanna say whether it’s good, bad, happy or sad, but there is a finish line. It’s satisfying.
MICHAEL: I didn’t find it slow-paced. I think each moment came at the exact right time and it was a bit like real life in that things don’t always turn out the way you expect them to.
RYAN: Like this movie – it’s not getting any nominations anywhere and it’s coming out at the right time so I don’t know why not. It’s a good movie about experiencing life and throwing caution to the wind – traveling outside of your comfort zone to grow. It’s gorgeous so see it in the theater. I can’t believe I’m gonna say it, but kudos to Ben Stiller.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty January 2, 2014
I have given this a “10” rating. There was one minor issue I had with the movie that would make it not quite that in my mind, but a “9” rating would be an injustice to this extraordinary film and, since I’m unable to give it a 9.75 or something like that, “10” it is.
This movie strikes an incredible balance between indy/art-house and Hollywood epic. The pathos of the main character is well-captured in subtle ways, as are the feelings of triumph when he is able to go beyond his own self-imposed limitations. The cinematography is extraordinary– this is a drama that *must* be seen in theaters. I expect that most adults with any sensitivity at all will find this a highly satisfying experience that speaks to their very cores. My wife and I were privileged to see it in an advanced screening, and can’t believe we have to wait another couple of weeks for the official release to go back and see it again.