The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: Movie Review

Ben Stiller’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is a remake of the 1947 Danny Kaye led film of the same name based on the 1939 piece by James Thurber..  I have never seen the original, but I will say that Stiller’s version is definitely one of the most beautiful looking pictures of 2013. It also has a soundtrack that helps pull you in.  Though it lacks the emotional depth needed to make it a great film, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” succeeds in enough ways to make it worth seeing.

As Life Magazine prepares its’ final printed issue, daydreaming photo editor Walter Mitty (Stiller) realizes that the would-be cover photo from award-winning photo journalist Sean O’Connell (Sean Penn) was not included in the package sent from half way around the world.   With not only his job on the line, but that of a co-worker he adores from afar  named Cheryl (Kristen Wiig), the man who has never done a single noteworthy thing in his life, hops on a plane to go find O’Connell and retrieve the missing photo.

Director of photography Stuaet Dryburgh (The Piano) and visual effects supervisor Guilaume Rocheron (Life of Pi) have helped Stiller create this visual stunner.  When the story moves from New York  to Iceland, that is where the look of the film just pops.  The biggest problem with Stiller’s film is actually Stiller himself.  Not as a director, but as the title character.  He is just not that interesting and his evolution through the story doesn’t feel natural.  Another issue is the casting of Adam Scott as the man sent in to handle the changes at the publication.  I am a fan of the comedic actor, but I felt he was the wrong fit. Essentially it feels like Scott is playing the same character he did in “Step Brothers”. 

Aside from its flaws, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is definitely worth checking out.  There is a whole lot to like about it and Stiller continue to proves he has what it takes to be a great filmmaker. 

By: Marc Ferman