Most insightful PG movie since 2001: A Space Odyssey

Rating: 8/10 (6 November 2015)

OK, film buffs can call me out on this one... "2001: A Space Odyssey" was actually rated G. But you get what I mean. Sometime after the late 90s, G and PG (and even many PG13) movies became synonymous with Disney kid stuff, while if you wanted some depth and "adult" fodder it generally came with a lot of disturbing, angsty, profane and graphically violent/sexual stuff. "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is a great throwback to films geared at adults, provoking deep thought, while remaining firmly family-friendly.
I'm not sure why that's so significant I had to open my review with it, but maybe you'll get the gist. This is a film that tells a simple story without flashy, gritty plot sensations, and yet it doesn't treat you like you're an idiot for watching a PG movie. And although I'm something of a cynical old geezer, I'm sure kids can enjoy it and find just as much meaning as I did.
Walter Mitty is a dork. Not quite a loser because he has a good job and is quite capable, but, well, the opening scene of him struggling for 5 minutes to click a "wink" button on a dating site ought to tell you he's not exactly captain of the football team.
From there we learn that he has an odd habit of zoning out in his own fantasy world because obviously his real life bores him (and everyone around him) to tears. But that doesn't last long. Suddenly a bizarre mystery appears, and as you may have guessed from the trailers and movie posters, the film involves dorky Walter (Ben Stiller) trekking across continents and doing battle with all sorts of disasters as well as drunk Icelandic pilots.
There's also a mild romance brewing (so he wishes) between himself and his coworker Cheryl (Kristen Wiig), but this is not a formulaic romcom. It's really about trying to get the most out of life. And whether you're a middle aged career schmoe like Walter, or I dunno, a punk rocker or a soccer mom, the message will appeal to you because it's about finding adventure everywhere it exists.
The humor keeps things rolling nicely, but don't expect anything zany like Ben Stiller's earlier "The Cable Guy" and "Zoolander" or really any of his films. This movie is basically a serious tale, complete with nice artistic touches and GORGEOUS cinematography, peppered with Stiller's quirky tongue-in-cheek humor the whole way.
I have to add a word about the music. Oh the soundtrack kills. If you are versed in the 80s classics like Hall & Oates "Maneater", Rupert Holmes "The Pina Colada Song", and a great appearance of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" you will love the tunes. There's also a modern classic or two, such as Of Monsters and Men "Dirty Paws". Something for everyone.
I was really impressed with Ben Stiller's directoral maturity and the way he kept things fresh and breezy despite this being a serious soul-searcher. In that respect I was reminded of one of my favorite directors Wim Wenders (his later films such as "Million Dollar Hotel" and "Lisbon Story"). There's also, as I mentioned, a quirky tongue-in-cheek attitude throughout, reminding me of Paul Thomas Anderson's "Punch Drunk Love".
"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is well worth the price of admission. Take your kids. Or kids, take your parents. There's something for everyone.