Film Review: THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

A good film that touches your heart! 

Cast: Ben Stiller, Sean Penn, Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine, Adam Scott, Adrian Martinez
Director: Ben Stiller

Viggy had been telling me about this film since two weeks before we finally watched it at PVR Cinemas at High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel. I am glad that we did not miss this one!

THE STORY

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) works for Life magazine in the Photography Department as a negative assets manager. He went to work at a very young age when his father suddenly died and he’s left to take care of his mother and sister.

Walter’s always dreamt of travelling and seeing the world but has stopped trying to realise his dreams as responsibilities bog him down. He has been working with Life magazine since 16 years when it is suddenly taken over by a company headed by Ted Hendricks (Adam Scott). Ted is ruthless and unfriendly right from the start and is waiting for a chance to throw people out of their jobs, notwithstanding their hard work over so many years. And Walter lands in deep trouble when he is unable to locate negative no. 25 that photojournalist Sean O’Connell (Sean Penn) has sent to be used on the cover of the magazine.

It is a first in Walter’s career and he is determined to set his record straight. Soon, he is travelling from Greenland to Iceland to the Himalayas to track Sean down for the missing negative.

MY PERCEPTION

I have seen a few movies of Ben Stiller and have always been impressed with his acting. He is simply amazing in this movie as Walter Mitty. I could so relate to the dreamer who is stuck in day-to-day life. And yet, he is completely loyal to his family as well as his job.

It’s fascinating to see how his dreams come to fruition as he travels across the globe to clear his name with the takeover firm that has already thrown him off his job.

We have seen Ben Stiller the actor in many successful films. I was quite happy to see the actor take to his new role of director in this one so well. While basically a comedy, it moved me to tears by the time it got over.

Kristen Wiig plays the role of a young divorcee with a son. She soon becomes Walter’s friend at the magazine. She does a good job as Cheryl.

Adam Scott as Ted Hendricks was perfect. He is so hateable that he made a perfect villain.

Sean Penn was awesome in that one scene that he shows up in. I especially loved the football game Sean and Ben play on the snow up in the Himalayas.

The film ran for a little less than two hours making it a joy to watch.

Wonderful job, Ben Stiller! Hope to see more.

VERDICT: A good film that touches your heart!

RATING: ***** Super

* Silly
** Shaky
*** Smart
**** Snazzy
***** Super