BIG SCREEN

This film directed by Ben Stiller is entertaining and comedic, yet still emotional and heartfelt. With unique settings, striking cinematography, and a sweeping soundtrack, this movie feels larger than life. It is certainly niche and quirky, but still it is entertaining and inspiring. Though the pace is slow in the beginning, when Walter takes off on his flight, so does the plot. With filming locations in Iceland and Greenland, the shots are breathtaking and fantastical, making it a visual delight. The cast is full of renowned and talented actors, and the soundtrack includes multiple artists with a folksy sound that accentuates the scenery and lighthearted feeling. The combination of captivating performances, expert film making, and winsome storytelling make it enjoyable and fun. Compared to his earlier works, Ben Stiller shines in this more serious role as Walter Mitty. Although the main character has many unique traits, like his overactive imagination, he has qualities that we all can relate to. Walter Mitty begins the movie as a monotonous worker who dreams that he could break out of his ordinary life.

He has spent his whole life looking at pictures of others’ adventures, having experienced none himself. He spends his waking moments daydreaming of a life that he wishes he could live. These daydreams take him out of the present, and make him unable to truly experience the life before him. It’s only when he finally breaks out of his daydreams and experiences his own adventures that he learns to live in the present.

This movie feels like an adventure, reminding us that work and career are not the only things in life. Real adventure is needed. It’s about finding your purpose as a human, learning to live in the here and now, and becoming fearless.