First Take: The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty- mixed feelings don’t make good reviews

SYNOPSIS-

When his job along with that of his co-worker are 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.

Taking an idea from the 1930s and modernising it is tough, we all know that. But Ben Stiller has very bravely taken a story rooted in that era and done a decent to average job of adapting it for modern tastes- it’s not perfect, but it is enjoyable.

Stiller’s direction seems to improve from film to film, and while the pacing and tone is a little predictable at points, the film is legible enough to be worth a watch- mainly for Stuart Dryburgh’s cinematography. The script felt a little clunky though, and while this isn’t necessarily the fault of Steve Conrad, it deviates a little too much from James Thurber’s original short story, but, with all the technical credibility combined alongside Theodore Shapiro’s score, there is a unique big screen experience to be had.

Performance wise, Stiller and Kristen Wiig are very likable leads, and with a good supporting cast around them, they can get the job done, but only just, as some of the 1 hour 54 minutes could easily be cut to make it more streamlined. I wanted to enjoy this film, but there were too many flaws.

THE VERDICT

RATING: 3.5/5