REVIEW: THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

When I first heard about this film, it was in the late 1990s. I was a university student back then in the United States. Famous directors attached to the project were Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard. Jim Carrey was long rumoured to play the title role of Walter Mitty. I didn't realize that the project received a revival as I was really intrigued by the storyline.

The revival is directed by Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder, Reality Bites). The film stars Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn, Shirley MacLaine, Patton Oswalt, and Sean Penn. It is written by Steve Conrad (The Pursuit of Happyness) and adapted from a short story in 1939 written by James Thurber. The story has already once being adapted into a film in 1947.

How will this second movie remake fair up? Do read on...

Ben Stiller as the title character Walter Mitty

SYNOPSIS:
A day-dreamer named Walter Mitty has a liking for an office colleague named Cheryl. When the company he works for is being bought over, he struggles to cope with the new 'boss' and constantly gets bullied. Then comes a time where he has to face a monumental task to save his company. This is his adventure.

Ben Stiller as Walter Mitty and Kristen Wiig as Cheryl Melhoff, the love interest.

SCRIPT:
Not too bad though could have been slightly better. There was good characterization for all roles. Dialogue was a quite funny and hit the right notes with the audience. The constant back and forth between drama and comedy could have been worked on a little better because I felt it was a little overdone. I liked the ending though I felt it could be better otherwise.

One of Walter Mitty's daydream scenes in the film

ACTING:
Nice performance by Ben Stiller as Walter Mitty and Kristen Wiig as Cheryl Melhoff. A particular praise to Adam Scott as the 'quintessential' a-hole in the film. Great to see film legend Shirley MacLaine on film.

Great performance by Ben Stiller in the title role

FILMING:
Kudos to Ben Stiller for making the movie vibrant and exciting enough. It could easily be a boring material to adapt from. Stiller made it adventurous and likable. Another particular praise is to the cinematography which showcased exotic locations and magnificent shots. At times, it could have been like a feature-length film for National Geographic. Look for the graphic 'text' in the shots.

Ben Stiller wearing three hats as director, producer, and actor

PACING:
Good start, a little slow in the middle, but picked up well towards the end. Decent pacing.

TONE (MOOD):
It is an 'underdog' movie where someone who thinks is incapable tries to achieve the impossible.

Actor Sean Penn 'invites' you to watch the film

DOWNSIDE:
Melancholy and sweet type of movie. May not fit the 'macho' people.

UPSIDE:
One of those sweet and heart-warming movies. A popcorn movie for the family.

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) in one of his adventures

OVERALL:
Nice and easy film. Recommended by me.

RATING:
7.5 out of 10