The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Remember a few weeks ago how disappointed I was after seeing "Saving Mr. Banks"?  I warned you all not to take your children - and without spoiling the movie - told you it is not all mice and princesses - this Disney movie?  It was not a feel good movie AT ALL.  So imagine my JOY when - halfway through - I realized Walter Mitty WAS a GREAT movie - and I actually felt good when I left.  No depression.   No worries.  No tears!  For The Win!!!

 

Ben Stiller directs and stars in THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, James Thurber's classic story of a day-dreamer who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker (Kristen Wiig) are threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined. Written by 20th Century Fox

I have always been an optimist, a big time dreamer.  There have been many times in my life people have looked at me like I am INSANE for "trying this" or "going there".  I recently saw a Cary Grant quote that resonated big time with me:

For example, I always wanted to be around actors and film making, and I am a movie junkie (obviously).  I love movies because of what is going on that the viewer never sees.  I love the imaginations that bring these stories to life.  So I spent 40+ years on the outside looking in - until I decided to start making things happen.  Yes, I know..Turbine wasn't even in theaters, but I got to be involved - and that was a BUCKET LIST moment and I was TERRIFIED and no one can ever take it away from me.  Yes, I know - it's only a small broadcast station in Missouri - but I still work there.  Yes I know, I just sell tv ads for my real job - but I still get to work with talented artists who help bring dreams to life.  Yes I know, I am not a "real movie critic", but I still get invited to screenings, I have interviewed two actors and have my first author interview later this month.  Yes I know my review segment on tv is less than five minutes long, but I still get to talk about the movies that I love EVERY SINGLE WEEK on television.  So go ahead - sit in the stands if that is what makes you happy, but some of us like to get in the game. Some of us don't care what others think - we have been the "have nots" our entire lives and that is what makes us "artsy nerds" the fairest of them all.  END OF SCENE....moving on to my review...lol


Walter Mitty gives us all a chance to be dreamers; with every step he takes we can drift off into our own sea of dreams, and wonder quietly - would I? could I? - if given the chance?  Too many people live their lives with "Ifs and Buts" and poke fun of those of us who are dreamers.

There were so many things I loved about this movie, too many to mention really - mostly I loved the  "Do You know ANYONE in Los Angeles moment?"  That was my favorite.

No wait, I also loved the big "Cover Reveal" of the LIFE magazine- I loved the way Sean got so close to Mitty but never met him in person - his purpose was profound.

Or was it the physical transformation of Mitty that I didn't notice until the very moment Cheryl notices? Because I really loved that moment too..

I loved the casting of Sean Penn - perfect for the part.  One of the greatest lines in the movie:

"Beautiful things don't ask for attention" ~ Sean O'Connell  

I saw this movie on Christmas Day, which is a pretty risky move.  It was a risk well worth taking.  This was one beautiful little movie.  And this chick highly recommends!!!