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Ben Stiller stars in and directs this Dec. 25, 2013 release about a daydreamer-turned-adventurer and his journey to become the man he always wanted to be.
As the film begins, Walter Mitty is a man living a tragically dull life who had just begun using an online dating site to get a chance with the girl of his dreams, Cheryl Melhoff played by Kristen Wiig. All the while, Mitty's imagination goes wild with all of the sweeping romantic gestures he could make to win her over. The casting of Wiig in this role opposite Stiller was phenomenal. The duo have very believable chemistry, which is just one reason why this film is so worth watching.
When Mitty's job at Life Magazine in the photography department requires him to track down the publication's star photographer, Sean O'Connell played by Sean Penn everything changes, and quite possibly for the better. The storyline of Mitty's once seemingly adventureless life is suddenly transformed into an nearly unbelievable series of serendipitous escapades. This not only makes for one of the most interesting tales in recent cinema, but a very exciting viewing experience.
From the way scenic views of Iceland and Greenland all the way down to the way the opening credits are incorporated into city landscapes and street signs, this film is one of the most aesthetically pleasing experiences of 2013. Not to mention, it has a great soundtrack. (Actually, even the dramatic silences in this film are perfection.)
Beyond the great casting and astounding views, the writing for this movie is full of thoughtful notions and ironic humor (always a good combination). What makes this film unique is that, while Mitty's love story is an important part of the plot, his relationship with his family, particularly his mother, is also very key to the overall storyline. The one and only Shirley MacLaine takes the screen as Edna Mitty, his sweet, hip and aging mother, who looks out for him even when he doesn't think he needs it. Her character paired with the background stories she tells about Mitty as a young man are why this movie is the perfect mix of sentiment and whimsy.
What really makes this movie worth watching are its lessons: learn to trust, build courage and take chances to create a life that's worth living.
As the film begins, Walter Mitty is a man living a tragically dull life who had just begun using an online dating site to get a chance with the girl of his dreams, Cheryl Melhoff played by Kristen Wiig. All the while, Mitty's imagination goes wild with all of the sweeping romantic gestures he could make to win her over. The casting of Wiig in this role opposite Stiller was phenomenal. The duo have very believable chemistry, which is just one reason why this film is so worth watching.
When Mitty's job at Life Magazine in the photography department requires him to track down the publication's star photographer, Sean O'Connell played by Sean Penn everything changes, and quite possibly for the better. The storyline of Mitty's once seemingly adventureless life is suddenly transformed into an nearly unbelievable series of serendipitous escapades. This not only makes for one of the most interesting tales in recent cinema, but a very exciting viewing experience.
From the way scenic views of Iceland and Greenland all the way down to the way the opening credits are incorporated into city landscapes and street signs, this film is one of the most aesthetically pleasing experiences of 2013. Not to mention, it has a great soundtrack. (Actually, even the dramatic silences in this film are perfection.)
Beyond the great casting and astounding views, the writing for this movie is full of thoughtful notions and ironic humor (always a good combination). What makes this film unique is that, while Mitty's love story is an important part of the plot, his relationship with his family, particularly his mother, is also very key to the overall storyline. The one and only Shirley MacLaine takes the screen as Edna Mitty, his sweet, hip and aging mother, who looks out for him even when he doesn't think he needs it. Her character paired with the background stories she tells about Mitty as a young man are why this movie is the perfect mix of sentiment and whimsy.
What really makes this movie worth watching are its lessons: learn to trust, build courage and take chances to create a life that's worth living.
This is one of those movies that's absolutely worth seeing in theaters. It is a feel-good film that's inspiring and fun.
Grade: A
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