The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Ben Stiller directs and stars as Walter Mitty - a LIFE magazine proofreader who, incapable of revealing his feelings to the woman he loves (Kristen Wiig) in the real world, retreats to a fantasy where he becomes his poised, confident opposite. When images from a fellow photographer (Sean Penn) go missing, Mitty’s mind takes him on a voyage to retrieve the negative, leading to a quest of self-discovery. The script is based on the 1939 short story by James Thurber, previously adapted for the screen in 1947.
- Director:
- Ben Stiller ('Tropic Thunder', 'Zoolander', 'The Cable Guy')
- Writer:
- Steve Conrad
- Cast:
- Ben StillerSean PennKristen WiigAdam ScottPatton OswaltShirley MacLaine
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Liam Maguren
flicksThough his leading man status has gone from encouragingly superb to incorrigibly bland, Ben Stiller’s succinct filmography as a director carries a more respectable reputation (Tropic Thunder, Zoolander, Reality Bites). Putting himself once again in front of and behind the camera, this modern take on the 1947 daydreamer comedy is a totally fine, but heavily flawed, Stiller-helmed staple.
Reality Break
If you have every caught yourself day-dreaming at work you have a lot in common with Walter Mitty. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a great escape and a cleverly likeable film provided you don’t take it too seriously. It is Ben Stiller after all. Not that that’s a bad thing. There was lots to like about this film. Its warm message and enduring main...
Variety
pressThough Stiller has proven he can be much funnier ... the emotional dimension ultimately makes the film feel more substantial.
Total Film
pressPretty much all the credit belongs to Stiller behind the camera, turning a sappy Hollywood button-pusher into a slick, smart-looking fantasy that doesn't mind showing its indie roots.
Time Out
pressThe film is at its best when played as goofy comedy ... The later, country-hopping scenes feel like flicking through an old copy of National Geographic.
The Guardian
pressIt's too airless, too perfect, a dream of connection with humanity that flees contact with actual people.
The Dissolve
pressSeldom has a globe-spanning, soul-plumbing search for what really matters looked so inconsequential.
Hollywood Reporter
pressAudiences willing to tune in to its blend of surreal fantasy, droll comedy and poignancy will be rewarded.
Empire Magazine
pressAs a director, this feels like Stiller's moment. Mitty is a film that bravely rejects cynicism. In many ways, it's the new Forrest Gump. Go with it and it is, in all senses, wonderful.
Flicks, Liam Maguren
flicksThough his leading man status has gone from encouragingly superb to incorrigibly bland, Ben Stiller’s succinct filmography as a director carries a more respectable reputation (Tropic Thunder, Zoolander, Reality Bites). Putting himself once again in front of and behind the camera, this modern take on the 1947 daydreamer comedy is a totally fine, but heavily flawed, Stiller-helmed staple.
Variety
pressThough Stiller has proven he can be much funnier ... the emotional dimension ultimately makes the film feel more substantial.
Total Film
pressPretty much all the credit belongs to Stiller behind the camera, turning a sappy Hollywood button-pusher into a slick, smart-looking fantasy that doesn't mind showing its indie roots.
Time Out
pressThe film is at its best when played as goofy comedy ... The later, country-hopping scenes feel like flicking through an old copy of National Geographic.
The Guardian
pressIt's too airless, too perfect, a dream of connection with humanity that flees contact with actual people.
The Dissolve
pressSeldom has a globe-spanning, soul-plumbing search for what really matters looked so inconsequential.
Hollywood Reporter
pressAudiences willing to tune in to its blend of surreal fantasy, droll comedy and poignancy will be rewarded.
Empire Magazine
pressAs a director, this feels like Stiller's moment. Mitty is a film that bravely rejects cynicism. In many ways, it's the new Forrest Gump. Go with it and it is, in all senses, wonderful.
Reality Break
If you have every caught yourself day-dreaming at work you have a lot in common with Walter Mitty. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a great escape and a cleverly likeable film provided you don’t take it too seriously. It is Ben Stiller after all. Not that that’s a bad thing. There was lots to like about this film. Its warm message and enduring main...
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