Carpe Diem

Rating: 9/10 (13 January 2014)

My 4 year old daughter asked me what the film I saw today was about, and I said, "Well, a man feels shy and sad and doesn't like his life. Then he goes on overseas adventures that make him feel confident, strong, and enjoy his life." That nutshell shows how generic the film is at heart, but who cares? It was great.
This film is another in a long line of films that show how comedians can make fantastic dramatic actors. Think Jim Carrey in The Truman Show and Will Ferrell in Stranger Than Fiction. I never look too much in to films before I see them (don't like them being built up too much) so was surprised to see in the credits that Stiller also produced and directed it. It certainly is a work he can be proud of.
I found the gentle quietness of the film endearing, the musical score and scenery inspirational, and the standard 'find yourself' theme delivered effectively. The comedy was constant, but not overdone, and the serious parts weren't overly sentimental. Everything was in balance.
It's a film that makes you leave the cinema wanting to go out and change your life.