Bad writing can't overcome good idea and decent acting

Rating: 6/10 (12 October 2019)

How did such a blah screenplay get such a big cast? I don't understand Hollywood.
First, Dustin Hoffman is a true actor. Similar to DeNiro, when he enters the movie its quality and thus legitimacy immediately become viable. The movie is worth watching if you like these actors and/or creative plots. I appreciate movies that aren't remakes, copies, or just another sequel to some poorly thought out "universe". But if you're thinking of how to spend a Friday night this is likely not it.
Overall the writing is terrible. The idea of the movie is good and the themes and delivery are like a less artsy Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which is another movie that can't live up to its creative ideals. The music is even pretty good like Walter Mitty. Will Ferrell does a very fine job. Emma Thompson is pretty good, but the writing just keeps pulling her down. I honestly think she did what she could. Maggie Gyllenhaal is what she always is: average.
The isn't a feel good movie but it plays like one. If a movie like this isn't humorous, which it's not, then it needs a better screenplay to carry it. I imagine this would've been great if the Coen brothers or Wes Anderson had gotten a hold of it.