Surprisingly Inspiring

Rating: 8/10 (17 January 2014)

Every once in a while a movie gives me a real feeling of well being. I leave the theater feeling stronger, calmer, happier, more in tune with life. The sunshine seems a little brighter. Annoying people don't annoy me. I feel like I could maybe conquer dragons--little ones.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was one of these movies and I'm not entirely sure why. On the surface it's a fairly simple, predictable, slightly over-the-top, feel good, made-for-TV type movie. But for several brief moments here and there I thought of all of those people who live decent, competent, unremarkable lives and must at some point look back and wonder what they have accomplished. Perhaps they have unknowingly made the lives of a number of their fellow human beings better--which is no small task in itself. For the few of those who have not only done that but managed to rise above their hum-drum existence for a brief and shining moment as well--hurray for you!!!
The cinematography was wonderful. The scenes in Iceland and Greenland and the Himalayas were cool and amazing. The music was inspiring (the music didn't just enhance the movie--the movie seemed to enhanced the music). I have never been a big fan of Ben Stiller or Sean Penn, but after this movie I am finally pleased with both. Good job guys. If it tells you anything--some people sat thru the credits to the end. When is the last time that happened in a movie you saw?
Not a perfect movie. Drags a little bit here and there. Maybe a little too ridiculous at times. Maybe a little too sappy here and there. But in the end it's what dreams are all about aren't they--getting a little bit more than we expected-- and maybe sometimes, getting it all?