This film is the epic adventure we all find ourselves waiting for

Rating: 8/10 (10 July 2014)

Walter Mitty is a middle aged, single man, played by Ben Stiller, who's played by the books his entire life. He seems to have a very bland life (in the very first scene he is balancing his checkbook) and although he's exceptionally good at his job, he hasn't put much time into doing anything else throughout his life besides taking care of his mother and sister. One day he overhears a woman at his work talking about an online dating service and signs up for the same website in a "pina colada" type attempt to meet her. When asked to fill in his profile he realizes he hasn't really done much throughout his life and his story is rather boring. Meanwhile, at work an important picture is missing - the picture to be on the final cover of LIFE magazine. The next hour is Walter chasing down the photographer throughout various countries in an attempt to locate the films negative all the while incidentally building his online dating profile.
The beauty in this narrative is that Walter sets off on an adventure for work related reasons but along the way he finds himself. When it's over he's a completely different person. It makes us wonder if we have indeed truly know our own selves. The breathtaking landscapes in Greenland, Iceland, and Afghanistan serve as a stunning backdrop throughout a majority of the film. Kristen Wiig is very charming and Stiller, who also directed the film, does a fantastic job at being relatable. Who hasn't caught themselves fantasizing about the way we wish certain events in our lives will work out or wondering where we'd end up if we just hopped on a plane, all while sitting in our office?
The style of this film is also particularly noteworthy in my opinion. All of the strategic right angle placements, extreme long shots, and longer takes combined with the perfectly selected and harmonious Space Oddity make you feel like you've somehow time warped yourself somewhere in between fantasy and reality. My only regret is waiting to see this movie on DVD because I know it would have been even more stunning and effective on the big screen in theaters.
I would definitely recommend this movie. If not for the aesthetics then for the reminder that we all need a little adventure in our lives.