Remember Ben Stiller
who made “Reality Bites”? A sharp comedy/ drama that made you pay attention, and
plan to immediately buy the soundtrack? He’s been gone for years, stuck in a
loop of juvenile fare. Behold, a near miracle. Stiller takes the 1947 Danny Kaye
hit “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” and turns it on its heads with a fully
new spin about a day-dreaming man who became lost on his way to adulthood after
the death of his father. Here, Walter cares for his mother, pays his bills, and
works at “Life” magazine, but he’s watching life. Not living it. He hasn’t put
himself first. Then the loss of a key photograph under his care sends Walter on
a worldwide trip to find its creator, Sean Penn, in a very Sean Penn role. “Mitty” is epic in every sense of the
word. Romantic, too. And vibrating with great music. As Walter’s daydreams give
way to real adventure, the film soars, never grander than when our hero rides a
skateboard. It may cross the line into obviousness (the “Life” motto
pounces loud like scripture), but the Stiller has re-found his path. The cinematography astounds. Shirley MacLaine as the mom sparkles. B+
Lean on Pete
8 years ago
