An awesome adventure powered by romance and suspense

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2014)

It was much better than I expected: I thought I was going to watch a goofy comedy but it turned out to be an uplifting story that combines adventure, fantasy, romance, suspense, and even inspiration all packed with excellent visual effects. Thoroughly enjoyable. Great work! Salute to Ben Stiller!
I especially like the opening credits when Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) comes out from his drab apartment, almost drowning in the anonymous colorless city, looking for some type of life which only seems to exist in his fantasy. It pretty much sets the stage for the forthcoming adventure filled with vivid colors shot in wide angles. This film has to be watched in the cinema unless you have a huge screen TV.
A tight script which essentially says it is OK to daydream because that's where our energy and motivation comes from. Ben plays the role of Walter Mitty, a middle-aged, nerdy and introvert singe man who has been managing negatives for the LIFE magazine for the past 16 years. The magazine is closing down to make way for the digital version and Walter has to look for a lost frame of negative which a long time contributor has designated for the cover of the final issue.
There is lots of respect for underachievers throughout even though they might be low-keyed and seemingly unreliable, but may actually be too insecure to show their talents. Thus it is quite comforting and relieving to watch for underdogs like me (and/or you?). Ben Stiller is not a great actor but the directing is great and artistic direction very creative and stunning.
The cast are great. Sean Penn is superb! His brief appearance is so powerful since the previous buildup and suspense have well paved way for it. Kristin Wiig who plays Ben's muse Cheryl Melhoff is sweet and engaging. Shirley MacLaine also has limited air time but she is strong in portraying a caring mother about to go to a nursing home. Even Todd from eHarmony (Patton Oswalt) steals the show when only his voice appears in the beginning.
Totally pleasant except for the maybe too obvious commercials but it is alright since they are not available here.
The motto of LIFE magazine in the movie, "To see things thousands of miles away, things hidden behind walls and within rooms, things dangerous to come to . . . to see and be amazed," could very well be OUR life motto: dare to get involved and feel. Start by watching a feel good movie like this. It will make your mind wander and wonder.