Stunning and surprising

Rating: 10/10 (14 December 2014)

This is a stunning beautiful movie, visually and in all ways that a film can be. It bears little relation to the Thurber short story or Danny Kaye's movie, and the originality - Ben Stiller's choice to make a new film - leads to a wonderful result. This film rewards watching many times, again and again.
The performances are uniformly excellent, with Stiller and Kristin Wiig delivering completely captivating, finely nuanced and subtle characterizations that have depth and truth that is very rarely ever seen on screen. While both have been recognized to have skills that go beyond comedy, these performances push them toward the elite levels of acting anywhere. I'm tempted to say, 'Wiig especially', but Stiller actually did just as remarkable a job - perhaps more so, considering how much time he is on screen.
And, enjoy Sean Penn's subtle and gentle delivery when he and Walter finally meet...
As happens too often, I suspect that Hollywood didn't really know how to market this film. It's great to see it get so much exposure now on cable and digitally-delivered TV.
And, have you noticed that Stretch Armstrong has made a comeback appearance in a car commercial!?! That tells you how popular this film has become.