The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty Is More Than Just Laughs

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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which first debuted at the New York Film Festival, redefines what it means to be a hero.

The movie, based on the short story by James Thurber and directed by Ben Stiller, examines the life of Walter (Stiller), an average guy, who spends the majority of his time daydreaming a better existence in life. Until one day he gets the opportunity to actually make his daydreams come true when his job is put at stake after a corporate takeover.

Like almost all Ben Stiller characters Walter is not only likeable, but relatable. At first he comes off as being a spaz that you cannot help but be amused by, but by the end of the film you realize there’s a little bit of Walter in all of us. He represents the dreams we let go when life throws unexpected curve balls and forces us to grow up and sacrifice our desires. The film does a great job of developing the character and making you cheer on and laugh with Walter all the way till the end.

Visually the film is a real artistic delight. The use of CGIs can either be a hit or miss, but in this case it was great and really brought the daydream and adventure sequences to life. This was definitely a case when the use of technology added to the film both visually and comedically.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is by far one of Ben Stiller’s best directing credits to date. The film has a real genuine quality, which may partly be a result of the time period it was written in, but also because of Stiller. This project was clearly a real labor of love for Stiller, who put it all out there when he shared his artistry with world. The vulnerability found in the film is one of the film’s strongest selling points, because it really draws in the audience from the very beginning.

The film does have a romantic element in it, but unlike most films it does not take over the film. Kristen Wiig, who plays Walter’s love interest Cheryl, is a likeable single mom, who neither makes or breaks the movie. The romance is an aspect of the movie, but there are more prominent messages than the typical guy gets girl romantic storyline, which is refreshing.

Overall The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is not only honest and funny, but a great time as well. You will have laughs, pulling-at-your-heart-string moments and everything in between. This movie is a definite must see that can be added to the coming of age titles that make you realize some of the deeper meanings of what life’s all about.

Walter Mitty debuts in theaters nationwide on Christmas day.

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