TF:
What does Ben Stiller dream about? In 2010, the year Little Fockers made $300m and Greenberg got ignored, it’s easy to imagine him dreaming of making The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty. The story of a man who wants to be taken seriously – a mix of arthouse aspirations, mainstream schlock and goofy comedy – it’s a perfect fit for the guy who’s spent his career looking slightly uncomfortable in his comfort zone.
Drawing comparisons with big-hearted favourites such as It’s A Wonderful Life and even last year’s The Life Of Pi, TSLOWM doesn’t quite stand up – but it still packs a fairly hefty wallop of uplifting, heartfelt, inspirational joy, giving off the glow of a bank-holiday classic in waiting.
Pretty much all the credit belongs to Stiller behind the camera – a director who has waited years to outgrow frat-pack comedies and make a film like this – turning a sappy Hollywood button-pusher into a slick, smart-looking fantasy that doesn’t mind showing its indie roots.
Subtle CG is confidently woven into the stunning real-world visuals, while Hitchcockian high angles and studious Wes Anderson-esque framing makes more of an impact than all the flashy fantasy gags.
Like most daydreams, The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is funny, sad, weird and corny all at once – and you’ll probably only remember the good bits as soon as it’s finished. But it’s still a lot better than real life...
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