The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: December 25, 2013
7.5
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 620 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
465
Mixed:
107
Negative:
48
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7
Compi24Jun 1, 2014
While not every single granule of logic lines up in Ben Stiller's fifth directorial effort, "The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty" still remains a visual treat that acts as more than a testament to Stiller's fine directorial powers.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
python2000Jan 25, 2014
I am very happy for Ben Stiller at the moment. He has finally been daring enough to venture out of the brainless teen comedy zone which he has been stuck in for the past few decades and made a very entertaining movie. The Secret Life ofI am very happy for Ben Stiller at the moment. He has finally been daring enough to venture out of the brainless teen comedy zone which he has been stuck in for the past few decades and made a very entertaining movie. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty in my opinion should not be described as a family movie. Not because it isn't fun, because I expect adults will actually prefer it to children. This is probably down to the much more sophisticated type of humor used to get the laughs than in Stillers previous movies (basically the Focker movies). I have to admit the style to the whole film varies in places. For example it goes from being a quite funny and sweet to being downright creepy and forced. If you have seen it already you will understand that I am of course talking about the Benjamin Button scene. However this is not what you would call a major flaw and I found most of it to be harmlessly enjoyable. The funniest moment was undoubtedly how Walter deals with the aggressively unlikable character firing half of the people in Walter's company. Kristen Wiig (who I usually find irritating) singing Space Oddity to inspire Walter to get off his ass, is also a brilliant scene. Not perfect, but satisfying by way of laughs and worth watching. Stiller has finally made an intelligent comedy.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
BradySmithJun 29, 2014
A flawed, but very enjoyable movie, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty shows that Ben Stiller might have an impressive career as a director ahead of him. It's enjoyably off kilter, ambitious, and decently uplifting. The visual effects areA flawed, but very enjoyable movie, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty shows that Ben Stiller might have an impressive career as a director ahead of him. It's enjoyably off kilter, ambitious, and decently uplifting. The visual effects are solid, often helping to create some impressive and funny scenes. That being said, the presentation of the movie sometimes feels overly commercialized, and something about the film feels too airy and weightless. I'd still say however, that if you walk away from this movie not feeling somewhat inspired, or at least happy, that you're being way too cynical. It was too resonant and atmospheric to leave me disappointed.… Expand
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7
ThegodfathersonDec 25, 2013
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a sweet and well-meaning movie whose intent is to inspire and uplift its audience, but it approaches its message with all the subtlety of a sugar rush. It has many entertaining and endearing moments even ifThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a sweet and well-meaning movie whose intent is to inspire and uplift its audience, but it approaches its message with all the subtlety of a sugar rush. It has many entertaining and endearing moments even if it never quite comes together as a fully satisfying whole. Most of its problems are on paper where no gloriously shot vista or Arcade Fire music cue can help. Still, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty's a decent escape from your daily routine. It's just not a great escape. Ben Stiller directs and stars in the heartfelt, but superficial fantasy-dramedy The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which wants to say big things about life but never fully delivers on all its promise.… Expand
12 of 13 users found this helpful121
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7
LKnapp0425Dec 29, 2013
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a fine remake of Danny Kaye's 1947 version. The cinematography is outstanding! While some points throughout the movie may seem implausible, at its core the film demonstrates that reality can be asThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a fine remake of Danny Kaye's 1947 version. The cinematography is outstanding! While some points throughout the movie may seem implausible, at its core the film demonstrates that reality can be as rewarding as fantasy. It's a fine movie for the entire family and appropriate for the holiday season.

Ben Stiller served the movie well as an actor and director. Both Stiller and Kristen Wiig are fine comic talents as long as the comedy isn't too absurd. They both have proven there's a fine line between comedy and drama. Ben Stiller gives a solid performance as the lonely but kind-hearted Mitty who has a imagination rich with fantasies. Stiller was also exceptional in the drama as the famed drug addicted television screenwriter, Jerry Stahl in Permanent Midnight. I hope Stiller and Wiig will continue to seek out both comedic and dramatic roles in the future.

I do question the pre-Oscar hype for Ben Stiller and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It's rare for a comedy to win prestigious awards. However, this film should be nominated for the Oscar, SAG as well as other coveted awards and we should watch to see if The Secret Life of Walter Mitty can turn fantasies into the reality of winning such honors during the award season.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
didi1969Jan 21, 2014
Un remake bastante bien logrado con un reparto de primera y una fotografía espectacular.
Narra la vida de un trabajador de la revista life que se dedica a archivar los negativos que se usan para alza diferentes secciones de la revista, elUn remake bastante bien logrado con un reparto de primera y una fotografía espectacular.
Narra la vida de un trabajador de la revista life que se dedica a archivar los negativos que se usan para alza diferentes secciones de la revista, el cual para salir de la rutina se desconecta por momentos de la realidad para vivir intensas aventuras.
Pero toda esta fantasía está por volverse realidad cuando el principal y más famoso fotógrafo de la revista le envía una película junto con una billetera de obsequio para él y una nota donde le dice que el negativo 25 es la mejor foto que ha tomado en su vida por que encierra la quinta esencia de life.
Todo estaría muy bien si el negativo apareciera pero por más que lo buscan no lo encuentran y quedan tan solo dos semanas para poner esta foto como portada de la última revista impresa.
Es entonces cuando nuestro protagonista Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) decide encontrar al fotógrafo esté donde esté y emprende un viaje que lo lleva a los lugares más hermosos del mundo y a vivir una serie de aventuras tan increíbles que parecen una más de sus fantasías.
Y hasta aquí narro la historia porque hay que verla para disfrutarla.… Expand
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7
Rebooting7Jan 23, 2014
Okay, I personally really liked this movie. Since everyone likes the night at the museum movies this just a small revival to Stiller's career to get his fans prepped for Night at the Museum 3. All this aside this is a visually good movie butOkay, I personally really liked this movie. Since everyone likes the night at the museum movies this just a small revival to Stiller's career to get his fans prepped for Night at the Museum 3. All this aside this is a visually good movie but it has too little story development. I Also think this movie should be longer so there is MORE story develop. Overall see when its DVD unless you a visual experience in a theater.… Expand
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7
Christian0205Apr 1, 2014
A celebration of life. Of living actually life. Really good photography. It´s really good developed story. Really good acting. The hallucinations were great. Delirium rules!
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7
Viper8787Jul 8, 2014
Started of really, really slow. It is a good thing that it got better as the movie went on or it would have been a really bad movie. Acting was really good by Ben Stiller as he seem to fit his role really well. Got predictable at time but wasStarted of really, really slow. It is a good thing that it got better as the movie went on or it would have been a really bad movie. Acting was really good by Ben Stiller as he seem to fit his role really well. Got predictable at time but was an overall average movie.… Expand
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7
trexcwAug 24, 2014
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a short story about a Man who slips into daydreams which has been made into a film adaptation. While the movie includes day dreaming sequences, it does not focus on them, but instead on Mitty's quest forThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a short story about a Man who slips into daydreams which has been made into a film adaptation. While the movie includes day dreaming sequences, it does not focus on them, but instead on Mitty's quest for negative #25.
Pros:
Great Cinematography. The movie looked gorgeous.
Amazing Score. Every song fit the movie's story.
Ben Stiller. He showed how diverse of an actor he is.

Cons:
Not loyal to the original story. While it had elements it did not focus on it.
The Story. The story was great at first, but towards the end of the movie it just seemed to drag on with Mitty meeting Shaun and finding the negative.

Overall I enjoyed the movie very much, despite it dragging at the end.… Expand
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7
goodharborNov 19, 2014
This is a bit of a quirky but nonetheless enjoyable film. I especially liked the scenes in Greenland (when was the last time Greenland was in a major film?) and Iceland. The missing negative was an effective narrative device that kept myThis is a bit of a quirky but nonetheless enjoyable film. I especially liked the scenes in Greenland (when was the last time Greenland was in a major film?) and Iceland. The missing negative was an effective narrative device that kept my interest during the whole film. Mitty's daydreams were too frequent and predictable (and did he always have to make the audience share the dream?), the sparring with the evil transition manager also overdone. The movie dragged a bit in the last quarter. But I liked its message of pursuing your dreams - it was effective and thought-provoking. Heartfelt too.… Expand
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7
jenbernnMar 22, 2015
I'm very surprised this movie was not talked about. One of the best roles Ben Stiller has done, I really enjoyed the story, the creativity and angles of beautiful locations. The music was perfect to exemplify the emotion and adventure ofI'm very surprised this movie was not talked about. One of the best roles Ben Stiller has done, I really enjoyed the story, the creativity and angles of beautiful locations. The music was perfect to exemplify the emotion and adventure of Walter Mitty. It's a beauty of a story that should be watched. It gains more appreciation of live photography and miles of energy and strength to get that perfect shot. I loved loved loved the movie!… Expand
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7
SrPepeFeb 24, 2018
Para los que tenemos una creativa imaginación, esta película es muy interesante.
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7
The3AcademySinsOct 19, 2017
An uplifting, feel good film that stays true to the themes of James Thurber's iconic short story. Some really great camera work, audio mixing, and Ben Stiller's performance really sell this one. You'll walk out of the theater with a smile onAn uplifting, feel good film that stays true to the themes of James Thurber's iconic short story. Some really great camera work, audio mixing, and Ben Stiller's performance really sell this one. You'll walk out of the theater with a smile on your face, and inspiration for your own life.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
CinemaphileJul 29, 2016
First time director Stiller tries to channel Spike Jonze, but instead of playing this film straight, opts to include odd, quirky SNL style skit humor. Had Stiller's Mitty reboot stayed true to the sentiment of the premise, Mitty Part DeuxFirst time director Stiller tries to channel Spike Jonze, but instead of playing this film straight, opts to include odd, quirky SNL style skit humor. Had Stiller's Mitty reboot stayed true to the sentiment of the premise, Mitty Part Deux could have been a memorable cinematic achievement, but instead it is just a pedestrian reimagination of a greater work with beautiful cinematography and seamless special effects. Take a collection of Thurber stories, get a good night's rest, wait for this one to hit premium cable and call me in the morning.… Expand
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7
Ukid1203Jun 22, 2020
Someone was sleeping in the theater, and someone was watching a movie in tears.
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6
JacobSep 26, 2014
A lot of whether or not you like this film will be based on whether or not you’ve read the short story the film is based on. If you are not familiar with the original story you will probably enjoy this film a lot and think it’s a great feelA lot of whether or not you like this film will be based on whether or not you’ve read the short story the film is based on. If you are not familiar with the original story you will probably enjoy this film a lot and think it’s a great feel good movie and be baffled as to why others didn’t like it. If you have read the short story you will probably find the film hard to get into as while it is visually great and there is some good cinematography the film deviates a lot from the source material while trying to take a simple short story and expand it into a 2 hour movie. If you are one of those people’s whose read the original story then you might want to cleanse your mind of it if you want to enjoy the cute little film. For me I’m in the middle on one end this film is entertaining and I was engaged but at the same time it was nagging at me that this was deviating and at times betraying the original story. I guess at the end of the day its more good than bad but at the same time it is kind of annoying to once again see Hollywood take a wonderful story and make it into something eh.… Expand
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6
jonhDec 28, 2013
First act of the movie was very clunky.. mix of goofy humor (which mostly misses) and stock characters. But have to admit the movie grew on me. Interesting use of an almost entirely comedic casting (Stiller, Wiig, Oswald, Scott, manyFirst act of the movie was very clunky.. mix of goofy humor (which mostly misses) and stock characters. But have to admit the movie grew on me. Interesting use of an almost entirely comedic casting (Stiller, Wiig, Oswald, Scott, many others..) for what became more of a (mild) drama than a comedy.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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6
Bruce722Apr 29, 2014
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was unfortunately a bit of a disappointment. It had all of the pieces in place to be one of those great movies that combine a certain innocent charm with insight and introspection to deliver a heartfelt andThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty was unfortunately a bit of a disappointment. It had all of the pieces in place to be one of those great movies that combine a certain innocent charm with insight and introspection to deliver a heartfelt and emotional movie that anyone can relate to. However, instead of putting that all together in a fashion that feels genuine, like The Truman Show for example, it just feels like it's missing something. Ben Stiller is great and Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine, and Patton Oswalt (among others) do a great job in their supporting roles, albeit far shorter than they should've been. I think the big problem was Adam Scott's character. People like that are so seldom they almost don't even exist and this movie hinging on his "bullying" made it tough to relate to. I don't mind that the pace was slow either. I expected that. I didn't expect for the film to build to a moment of revelation only to end abruptly and without much to hang your hat on, so to speak.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
beingryanjudeSep 2, 2014
An exciting spectacle lead by Ben Stiller. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is strongly supported by a fine performance from Kristen Wiig and a journey like no other.
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6
Trev29Apr 26, 2014
Weird movie. Not entirely sure how I felt about it. If you just watch it for the kind of interesting adventure and forget all the other nonsense it works well enough. There were good moments independent of the rest if the film.
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6
geedupMar 31, 2015
Ben Stiller are not usually part of my viewing pleasure but this was one of his better flicks, A fairly simple concept of imagining your way out of everyday boredom. However, there was not enough of the imagining on a grand scale as mostBen Stiller are not usually part of my viewing pleasure but this was one of his better flicks, A fairly simple concept of imagining your way out of everyday boredom. However, there was not enough of the imagining on a grand scale as most would-missing a big oppertunity. The story was slow to move and the movie itself was about 30 minutes too long. Worth a watch.… Expand
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6
SpangleMay 27, 2016
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is alright. Funny, enchanting, and impeccably shot, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is an incredibly feel good film that hits some really good highs, but waters them down with major problems. First off, theThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty is alright. Funny, enchanting, and impeccably shot, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is an incredibly feel good film that hits some really good highs, but waters them down with major problems. First off, the writing is solid. Though the characters other than Walter Mitty suck, Mitty's arc is well done and since the film is about him, this fact makes sense. A journey of self-discovery, the film really makes you want to get up and go travel, which speaks to its impact it can have on a viewer. Additionally, the cinematography is very good and really soaks up the beauty of its idyllic shooting locations. However, on the flip side, the film can fall flat at times. In particular, it hits the brakes whenever Mitty has a dream sequence with those moments being outlandish, weird, and unnecessary. Overall, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a sweet ode to life itself and those who go unnoticed, but is not nearly as successful at its premise as it should have been.… Expand
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6
Movie1997Dec 25, 2013
While I didn't hate this movie, I still was really disappointed with the way this turned out. While some of the dream sequences and actual events that Walter Mitty has to go on were some of the best moments of the movie, what lacks is theWhile I didn't hate this movie, I still was really disappointed with the way this turned out. While some of the dream sequences and actual events that Walter Mitty has to go on were some of the best moments of the movie, what lacks is the inconsistent tone that this movie tries to carry. The tone is always changing and some of the characters are too goofy at times. Ben Stiller can definitely play the part of Walter Mitty for sure, but some of the direction that he takes just doesn't work. Really, this movie is more disappointing that bad. Overall, even with its flaws, it's still an enjoyable film to watch during the holidays. I give it a B-. Be sure to check out my YouTube channel, "TheMovieManLife" for all things movies.… Expand
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6
eagleeyevikingApr 29, 2014
With its grand visuals and unique storytelling, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is ambitious, however, the execution is too shallow to execute its aspirations.
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6
jasper6333Jan 28, 2014
Ben Stiller surely put his hearth into this movie. and don't get me wrong i did like the movie. but some moments go to fast for me. than he is still in America but some time later he is in a boat going to Iceland. it's in my opinion notBen Stiller surely put his hearth into this movie. and don't get me wrong i did like the movie. but some moments go to fast for me. than he is still in America but some time later he is in a boat going to Iceland. it's in my opinion not really realistic. that kinda ruined it for me. but still if you want to see a movie that is interesting/funny this is a movie for you to go to!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
vikesh2206Nov 10, 2014
With its grand visuals and unique storytelling, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is ambitious, however, the execution is too shallow to execute its aspirations.
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6
MrMovieBuffFeb 1, 2016
I remember seeing the trailer for this movie during the winter of 2013, and I even saw it on the first day thinking that maybe Ben Stiller is taking himself seriously as an actor and a director. What 'The Truman Show' (1998) was for JimI remember seeing the trailer for this movie during the winter of 2013, and I even saw it on the first day thinking that maybe Ben Stiller is taking himself seriously as an actor and a director. What 'The Truman Show' (1998) was for Jim Carrey, or what 'Forrest Gump' (1994) was for Tom Hanks, this could be it for Ben Stiller.

Despite that amazing trailer, which did get me excited for this movie, I was underwhelmed when I first saw it.

I will say this, Stiller did an amazing job directing this story, the landscapes and everything was absolutely incredible, the story is a good story about a nobody guy who day-dreams and wants to become more than what he is. This is everything I look for when I go to the movies, I like stories of a person who is a nobody but then gets up one day and becomes more than what people give them credit for.

The reason I was underwhelmed with this movie was mostly because the tone was very unbalanced and inconsistent at times, one minute, it's the kind of movie that gives you goosebumps, the next minute, it becomes a little bit too silly for its own good.

I still liked this movie enough to give it a 6/10 rating, but if the trailers amazed you...the movie won't be able to do that. It's ambitious, but all that ambition fades away as the run time goes on.… Expand
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6
beeanadouNov 7, 2020
Read the story when I was younger and didn't like it, now I've watched the movie and the scenes are nice and some of them look like Catty Parry's MV but this all this added up didn't help me to like the movie. Guess I'll skip movies if IRead the story when I was younger and didn't like it, now I've watched the movie and the scenes are nice and some of them look like Catty Parry's MV but this all this added up didn't help me to like the movie. Guess I'll skip movies if I don't like the books from now on.… Expand
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6
zNeverSleepMay 29, 2023
If I tell you that I paid attention to the majority of the movie and understand most things about it, I would be lying. I don't find the plot that eye-catching but since I was not interested at all, I can exactly blame the movie. But still, IIf I tell you that I paid attention to the majority of the movie and understand most things about it, I would be lying. I don't find the plot that eye-catching but since I was not interested at all, I can exactly blame the movie. But still, I found some scenes funny - like the skate one - and the end, for some reason, touched me. So yeah, props to the movie to make me feel something when I was not giving a damn about it (or at least I think I wasn't).… Expand
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5
TVJerryJan 3, 2014
Forget the original short story: This has been hijacked by Ben Stiller's ego (he also directed) into a confused commercial mess. He plays a mild-mannered worker at LIFE magazine, who lapses into heroic daydreams. After a threatening job eventForget the original short story: This has been hijacked by Ben Stiller's ego (he also directed) into a confused commercial mess. He plays a mild-mannered worker at LIFE magazine, who lapses into heroic daydreams. After a threatening job event and the urging of a woman (Kristen Wiig in her blandest role yet) he's inspired to go on a real adventure that takes him to Greenland and Afghanistan. The plot abounds with illogical moments, heavy-handed characters, loose ends and embarrassing product placement. There's nothing particularly imaginative here, although some of the scenery is pretty. Stiller lacks the acting chops or directing skills to give this silly fantasy any true heart or vision.… Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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5
heyitsmegrif4Dec 31, 2013
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is not a bad movie; however, its faults are quite jarring. Ben Stiller leads the film and he doesn't do a very nice job of it. He does not shine and he doesn't behind the camera as well. Kristen Wiig, ShirleyThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty is not a bad movie; however, its faults are quite jarring. Ben Stiller leads the film and he doesn't do a very nice job of it. He does not shine and he doesn't behind the camera as well. Kristen Wiig, Shirley Maclaine, and Patton Oswalt are the bright spots of the film as well as its beautiful cinematography. The ending is quite nice but most event sin the film are nothing spectacular or even good. Walter Mitty doesn't show the effort that apparently was involved. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is 46% of a good movie.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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5
MotcriticFeb 17, 2014
Half drama half comedy, its a pleasant movie that I won't ever watch again.

Everything looks ok in this movie, but nothing is great. It explores well the conformism of people, has great scenarios, acting is fine, drama is ok, comedy isHalf drama half comedy, its a pleasant movie that I won't ever watch again.

Everything looks ok in this movie, but nothing is great. It explores well the conformism of people, has great scenarios, acting is fine, drama is ok, comedy is below what I hoped for, not really a movie to make you laugh, more like a drama to watch with a smile in your face.

My negative criticism goes to the particularity of the main character, which feels like it serves no purpose whatsoever in the movie, other than to make the character uniquely weird. It could have focused more on that and make some twists with it.… Expand
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5
RetroView25Dec 26, 2013
RetroView25, Here once more again and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is not more about Walter Mitty himself but more a "Open Love Letter" to once ironic "Life Magazine" which has not been monthly published since 2000... And, a little sadRetroView25, Here once more again and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is not more about Walter Mitty himself but more a "Open Love Letter" to once ironic "Life Magazine" which has not been monthly published since 2000... And, a little sad irony here is that Life dot Com site mention in the film ended January 2012 in real life!!! Also, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty really did not showcase the legacy or their importance to the WORLD; through their Pictures!!!

In truth, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty plays out more like a infomercial movie for "Life Takes Visa" Commercials!!! Except; Mr. Mitty is burning a hole through his savings doing all this searching self discovery journey; portraying a "Where in the World is Matt Lauer/Carmen Sandiego?" episode...
Along with a running gag against eHarmony Dating Site to say in short: "You will find love by living life then clicking one profile at a time"!!!

Final: There is no real closure in the film... Your kinda left hoping that Walter Mitty will be all right, with his new found self... At last, like all our ventures in "Life"... Get it!?!… Expand
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5
reellmOct 4, 2014
2.5/5★ The film shares little with the book it is based on so don't expect it to share its satire or humor but aside from that its a fun ride. Stiller plays the everyman who finally sets to find something, both in the literal and personal2.5/5★ The film shares little with the book it is based on so don't expect it to share its satire or humor but aside from that its a fun ride. Stiller plays the everyman who finally sets to find something, both in the literal and personal sense. The film is a little sappy, but its a good effort.
Verdict: Mildly enjoyable.… Expand
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4
Prodigy2013Jan 12, 2014
It feels like a chore mustering up a review for ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’, because there really isn't much to talk to about. Ben Stiller’s attempt to direct, co-produced and star, in a film about a man overcoming adversities to doIt feels like a chore mustering up a review for ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’, because there really isn't much to talk to about. Ben Stiller’s attempt to direct, co-produced and star, in a film about a man overcoming adversities to do “awesome stuff” may seem a bit self glorifying. But it is interesting to note that the most (and only) appealing presence in this film was his love interest Cheryl, well played by Kristen Wiig. For a movie that blends romance, adventure, fantasy and comedy-drama, it felt awfully bland… but that should be expected when the main character, the one who the film literally revolves around, is a blank slate. Beyond those flashy dream sequences, Mitty wasn't really saying much; it seems Stiller wasn't apt to directing or playing this subtle character. I found it difficult to root for him and his globe-trotting adventure of “self discovery”, when the man himself was nothing more than vanilla, from start to finish. Not particularly funny, nor creative; Steve Conrad’s impatient script was all over the place. I also found that the dramatic elements of the films were blatantly coerced, as they weren't able to manifest naturally through the (haphazard) rhythms of the story. One thing I did appreciate was Stuart Dryburgh’s gorgeous cinematography that brought the great outdoors and the sleek corporate settings to life. I really wish I could like this whimsical, odd ball story; but it just wasn't doing it for me.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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4
JanLDec 27, 2013
I had high hopes for this movie, but, ultimately, it was very disappointing. I kept waiting for something to affect me emotionally, but it never happened. Some beautiful scenery was filmed.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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4
edpichlerJan 17, 2014
I expected so more...
They didn't know how to take care of such a rich story. The movie lost the chance to be a lot much better.
The actors were poor on their performance. Such story should not be a comedy movie.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
Skyhawk5451Oct 12, 2019
Love this move. A shy guy in pursuit of finding his lover for life is forced by fate to push himself way beyond any limits he thought he had. Test after test complete with beautiful scenery and music, lead Walter to his true love.
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3
csw12Jan 12, 2014
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is an inconsistent mess that isn't a complete film. The movie never gets to you emotionally, which is what Ben Stiller was trying to do. Besides having some nice landscapes, it's nothing more then forgettableThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty is an inconsistent mess that isn't a complete film. The movie never gets to you emotionally, which is what Ben Stiller was trying to do. Besides having some nice landscapes, it's nothing more then forgettable trash to say the least.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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3
tooplanxJul 4, 2015
A cliched and silly film full of continuity problems and plot holes.Not dreadful to watch as it has some lovely scenery and a simple, easy to follow plot.
It's a very cliched story in which a boring man with a boring job suddenly quits hisA cliched and silly film full of continuity problems and plot holes.Not dreadful to watch as it has some lovely scenery and a simple, easy to follow plot.
It's a very cliched story in which a boring man with a boring job suddenly quits his job and, with in two weeks, becomes a self-fulfilled, adventurous, interesting, and totally changed man who women swoon over. His early ridiculous daydreams give way to equally ridiculous actual events, which all happen very suddenly and witb little thought for reason or likelyhood.… Expand
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3
CECtheRoninJan 30, 2014
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty should have been heartwarming whimsical movie that I fell in love with, but instead frustrated me to no end. The biggest problem is that none of the characters act in a way that any relatable human being would,The Secret Life of Walter Mitty should have been heartwarming whimsical movie that I fell in love with, but instead frustrated me to no end. The biggest problem is that none of the characters act in a way that any relatable human being would, which culminates in a near end twist that really took me out of the movie. The parts that are clever or heartwarming come at the expense of being a paint-by-numbers cliche. The dialogue comes off as very awkward, which is intentional, but not the awkward that lends itself to good writing that someone like Joss Whedon can produce. I am sure that I will appreciate the message and the intent behind it, but I was too frustrated and bored to enjoy watching it.… Expand
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2
fantasyJan 1, 2014
I wanted so much to like this movie as Ben Stiller is one of my favorite actors. Having said that this is one boring film that is going nowhere from ten minutes into the film. Danny Kaye makes this Mitty look very bad. I can't believe thatI wanted so much to like this movie as Ben Stiller is one of my favorite actors. Having said that this is one boring film that is going nowhere from ten minutes into the film. Danny Kaye makes this Mitty look very bad. I can't believe that no one stood up to Ben as he was directing to tell him how awful this flick is. Avoid at all costs.… Expand
4 of 12 users found this helpful48
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2
foxgroveDec 25, 2013
An ambitious over-hyped and ultimately leaden re-vamping of an earlier film made in 1947. It seems to exist in no man's land wanting to be all thing's to all people and ending up offering very little of anything to anyone. It's not CGI heavyAn ambitious over-hyped and ultimately leaden re-vamping of an earlier film made in 1947. It seems to exist in no man's land wanting to be all thing's to all people and ending up offering very little of anything to anyone. It's not CGI heavy or action packed enough to be considered a block buster and it's too redundantly lame to be good romantic/comedy/drama. In fact what we have is an anaemic romance that provides a linking device to a series of visual fantasies. These fantasy moments which crop up about every 15-20 minutes are, in themselves, not too bad, but they can't prevent the film from seeming half hearted and empty. Ben stiller is ok as the lead character zoning in to more exciting worlds, but I much preferred Adam Scott as one of the heads of Life magazine where Stiller works. His presence, as a kind of villain, bucks one up whenever he appears. The same cannot be said for Sean Penn in a small cameo. This is certainly a strange choice of movie for him. I just hpe he isn't heading down the same road taken by Robert De Niro, destination nowhere, artistically. Locations in Greenland and Iceland are stunning. Production values are fine, but this is under whelming forgettable fluff.… Expand
4 of 18 users found this helpful414
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1
DannyGNov 8, 2014
In Your Face Product Placement Ruined What Could Have Been A Great Film! Sorry, but the product placement was so blatant it ruined the illusion of the story. Let's face it, unless your making a documentary all filmmaking is based on creatingIn Your Face Product Placement Ruined What Could Have Been A Great Film! Sorry, but the product placement was so blatant it ruined the illusion of the story. Let's face it, unless your making a documentary all filmmaking is based on creating good illusions, like a talented magician! When a particular fast food company that serves gross food infects a story - like a flu virus - it wrecks the fantasy created by the filmmakers! James Thurber would be spinning in his grave!

Such product placement is totally unnecessary unless the producers of the film felt The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was going to be a big flop. Or, those making the film want to squeeze every last cent they can to make money by treating filmmaking like a commodity, such as toothpaste or underarm deodorant! Hey, that's a great idea, since we get to know over and over again Walter Mitty's favorite crappy fast food restaurant, why not let us know what his favorite toothpaste and underarm deodorant are, too?!! And why stop there? Let's find out his favorite type of paper towel, toilet paper, laundry detergent, car, soda, vodka, beer and on and on. I even have a new idea for a title: "The Secret Product Placement Life of Walter Mitty."

I didn't pay $11.50 for a ticket and another $6.50 for popcorn to repeatedly watch and hear the characters talk about commercial products in the middle of a movie. The product placement in this film was not subtle and I didn't appreciate being forced to watch such nonsense!

It's really sad filmmaking has stooped so incredibly low and that the film-going public tolerates this crap! Wow!… Expand
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1
UnfriendedIsBadFeb 9, 2016
Don't waste your time with this film. If you looked 'The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty' in a dictionary, the words 'Boring' and 'Waste' will appear. Also, sarcasm is a gift but honestly the film is very disappointing.
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0
beliabukowskiJan 27, 2014
This is the worst movie that I have seen in years. I can not understand how anyone can claim that it is based on James Thurber's short story by the same title. The only similarity is that both Mittys are day dreamers. The Walter Mitty inThis is the worst movie that I have seen in years. I can not understand how anyone can claim that it is based on James Thurber's short story by the same title. The only similarity is that both Mittys are day dreamers. The Walter Mitty in Thurber's story had a wife. This movie was just a bunch of garbage and a big waste of money.… Expand
4 of 23 users found this helpful419
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