An Amazing Feel-Good Film about 'Life' and 'Adventure'

Rating: 10/10 (26 December 2013)

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is one of those films that truly define what life is all about and who we are as people living in it! I have never seen its original 1947 adaptation nor did I hear of this story's existence, but after seeing this I can honestly say that its story gives a much more meaning to today's generation of people than what it did back then due to today's digital age.
The story focus on its title character Walter Mitty (played by the always funny and delightful Ben Stiller), a negative assets manager at LIFE Magazine who seems to keep and maintain a quiet but sometimes dull life. But at times, he can frequently daydream about having a fantastic adventure where he is strong, brave and fearless and as well has crush on a co-worker named Cheryl (Kristen Wiig in her best performance much like Bridesmaids). As Walter receives his last submission of works from fellow photojournalist Sean O'Connell (a small role played great by Sean Penn) who has included a Negative 25 that Sean believes captures the "quintessence" of life and should be used for the cover of LIFE's last printed magazine due to the online transition taking place. However the Negative 25 appears to be missing when Walter examines the submission. Following this, Walter is then taken not only a mission but a journey that will bring a whole new meaning of life in Walter's world and take his fantasy adventures into reality as he embraces the ultimate adventure.
The film delivers so many themes into its storyline, some being about Love, Adventure, Discovery of Life, Identity, Change and importantly as stated in the film the "quintessence" of life, meaning how anything we know or see is the perfect example of its type. These themes suit the story fine without holes occurring but is the delivery of these messages presented clear and forward. With Ben Stiller directing, starring and producing this film, I can honestly say he does give an excellent job (in fact, this is only his 2nd directing feature since Tropic Thunder). He manages to keep the film aimed towards to a family-friendly audience but it can be admired by any single person of any gender, age or race.
Stiller as well gives such a funny, endearing yet symbolic performance as Walter as he goes though life as this one individual who follows what is right, and yet through his journey of discovery and identity he undergoes this transition of being 'out there' in the world, rather than imagining them as seen in his daydream scenes. The daydream sequences are all fun and epic in their own way, they provide their own feelings and theme that define Walter in his mind. Wiig as well is funny and endearing yet she beautifully fits perfect as her character Cheryl, who plays an important role on Walter's journey being love and inspiration. The supporting cast (including the talents of Adam Scott, Shirley MacLaine, Sean Penn, Kathryn Hahn and Patton Oswalt) all give great performances, making their character role fit nicely into the storyline.
The cinematography, locations and visual effects are all taken to the level of excellent, helping to make the film believable to the audience. Locations used are New York, California, Iceland and Canada and they are used in ways to make the story location seem epic and beautiful. The locations seen during Walter's journey are a sight to behold despite being on the screen (it must have been an exciting experience for the cast and crew). Visual effects here help to make the story display great and realistic, playing a role in assisting in some of the film's big sequences such as Walter's daydreams and the epic volcano ash escape, these consist of 18 visual effects teams that pull these off easily.
One of my major favourite features in the film is music; to me it plays such an important role throughout the story and makes the emotion of the characters and story seems believable. The musical talents of José González, Rouge Wave, Rouge Valley, Junip, Jack Johnson and composer Theodore Shapiro deserve not only Award nominations but a standing ovation for their works that define the journey of Walter Mitty and life itself. González's track 'Stay Alive' is one of the film's songs that will stay in your head long after the credits are gone, with its lyrics of love, life and survival inspiring the positive message of the story.
Overall, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a film that may not be everyone's cup of tea but it does deserve to be an important film that cannot be missed. It will make you feel-good and positive about your own life and inspiring you to think and decide where you want to be in life.