Visually Stunning But Lacking in Story

Rating: 6/10 (30 January 2015)

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) tells the story of a man on his quest to travel around the world for work duties. But mysteriously the photo is misplaced, leading Walter on a global quest to retrieve it from the enigmatic photographer (Sean Penn). The resulting journey of self- discovery is both physical and psychological as work becomes secondary to personal fulfillment. The film is uneven and episodic by nature, with some awkward transitions between fantasy and reality, showcasing everything from broad comedy to effects-driven action sequences to lighthearted romance involving a sympathetic co-worker (Kristen Wiig). That playfulness is a better fit for Stiller's versatility than the flimsy mystery and the soul-searching voyage that bogs down the second half of the film. Those not willing to completely buy into its concept will find the story logic fundamentally flawed.