Review: THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

We all do the whole daydreaming thing where we picture ourselves living a different, and most often, better life. 'Walter' does it more than most in this 'Forrest Gump'-like film. Enjoy our review of 'THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY'.

By Staff

The movie tells us about 'Walter', played by Ben Stiller who also took directing duties, a member of the photography department for LIFE magazine. His life, for those of you who aren't fans of photography, is plain and emotionless (our chief editor is a photographer and disapproves of the last comment) but thanks to a hyperactive imagination, he lives the illusion of one day being someone or something admired by millions.

When the magazine announces its print life is coming to an abrupt end, Walter receives a roll of film from world known photographer 'Sean O'Connell', played by Sean Penn, who has been his faraway friend for many years. In the film, the negative number 25 is included for it will become the magazine's last main cover. The problem is the negative is nowhere to be found. It's missing. Gone. Or they simply cannot find it.

It's up to Walter to stop daydreaming and go live anywhere, anyhow and by any means necessary in order to find the negative.

Analysis and opinion:

As we mentioned, this film is the same type as Forrest Gump, Big Fish, Benjamin Button, etc. The good thing, or bad depending on your opinion on these movies, is that the flick doesn't try to go further than what the character can do or achieve. It sticks to accessible and interesting situations.

The screenplay isn't great by any means, in fact, there are some very predictable moments but still manages to tell us an entertaining and even a bit believable story.

The cinematography is amazing. The lenses used take full advantage of the beautiful sceneries and the emotions they wanted to communicate. Excellent job.

Joining Stiller is Kristen Wiig as 'Cheryl Melhoff' who offers another reason for Walter to want to be a better and more important person in life.

Stiller's direction is very smart. Why? Because he stays away from situations that he can't fix with simple and believable fixes. He stays true to the details that make this genre different but without trying to revolutionize it.

A well-made film that satisfied us more than expected.

8/10 WORTH THE TICKET PRICE.