Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The (4/14/2014)

Rated PG for some crude comments, language and action violence.

Starring Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Sean Penn, Adam Scott, Patton Oswalt, and Shirley MacLaine

Directed by Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder, Zoolander and The Cable Guy)

One of the best films of 2013.

Ben Stiller directs and stars in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, James Thurber’s classic story of a day-dreamer who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker (Kristen Wiig) is threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.

Jonathan’s Word: My entire family went to the theatre together Christmas afternoon to watch this film, and all of us, without exception, loved it. It was truly one of my favorite films of the entire year.

Todd’s Word: I really enjoyed it as well.

Jonathan’s Word: The film has a lot of great qualities: the beautiful cinematography around the world, the creative screenplay, the likable characters. But the element I enjoyed the most about this film was that it was just plain “fun.” It was a feel-good film. My hat goes off to Stiller for this one. I’m not always a Stiller fan.

Todd’s Word: I agree. There seems to be two Ben Stillers. The “clean Ben” who stars in films like Night at the Museum and Madagascar, and then there is the “raunchy Ben” from Tropic Thunder and The Watch…

Jonathan’s Word: … and the depressing Ben who plays the same pathetic Woody-Allen-esque character in film after film… like Something about Mary, Flirting with Disaster, Meet the Parents and Along Came Polly, films that provide laughs, but also frustrated me throughout the entire film.

Todd’s Word: I, for one, prefer the “clean Ben.” And the clean Ben was fantastic in this one. Throw in Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott and Patton Oswalt, and you have some great laughs.

Jonathan’s Word: The cast was perfect. Kristen Wiig, who is really a newbie in some respects, proved she can do more than just comedy. And then proven actors like Sean Penn and Shirley MacLaine?

Todd’s Word: That was an interesting choice. Those two are not my favorites, but they were undeniably good.

Jonathan’s Word: I hear you. I don’t rush out to see Sean Penn films. But dude can act. And MacLaine is classic old school. She was in a Hitchcock film. What I’d give to try to cajole some film-making stories out of her between takes (like the entire cast of Lord of the Rings did with Christopher Lee on that set). I digress.

Todd’s Word: The heart of the film – and believe me there is plenty of heart – is the story. Typical “loser” spends most of his life daydreaming until he is forced into the adventure of a lifetime. Along the way we get plenty of teachable moments about life, taking chances, priorities and respect.

Jonathan’s Word: I actually heard a critic blast the film for parting so greatly from the short story. I can’t disagree more. Yes, screenwriter did take great leaps from the original short story. I read the short story before seeing the film. It’s a 5-minute read. And as creative as it was, it was a little dark. Stiller’s Mitty, however, breathed life into the story, inserting the premise, what if Mitty had actually pursed some of these dreams?

The result was fantastic.

So you won’t hear me criticizing this film like the critics that criticize The Hobbit for embellishing Tolkin. I approached this film in the same way I approached The Hobbit: was it a good stand-alone film, with or without the original writing?

Todd’s Word: I hadn’t read the story and I didn’t really know what to expect walking into the theater, but I’m glad I took the chance. This movie is funny, heart-warming and really packs a punch in the life lessons department.

Jonathan’s Word: Truly fun for the whole family.

Todd’s Word: There are not a lot of PG rated films coming out of Hollywood these days. And with a fun story and a great cast, I have to give it a “Theater Worthy.”

Jonathan’s Word: And I would score it with our top billing: “Worth Buying.” You will definitely see this one on my Blu-ray shelf. One of the most enjoyable films of 2013.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
It’s not a kids’ film, but I’d say it’s appropriate for 3rd graders and up.

There are a handful of mild comments/innuendos. And some mild action violence during some of Walter’s daydreams, but it is all played off laughs.

There is 1 S-word and a few other mild profanities.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. Why does Walter go out on this real adventure?


2. How would you describe Walter’s life before his adventure?


3. How would you describe it after?


4. Read John 10:10
   
   A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.
   
   What do you think Jesus means when he says, “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest”?


5. Walter decided to take a risk and jumped into a helicopter, what can you do this week to live your life to the fullest?