Last year my parents watched this movie and suggested that I should watch it, too. At first I wasn't sure...I mean, it wasn't exactly on my list of anticipated movies and I didn't even know what it was about, other than a vague idea of some guy imagining things. (I also knew that it was a loose remake of an old movie starring Danny Kaye, but I've never seen that one and Danny Kaye isn't really one of my favorites.)
So I was pleasantly surprised when I watched the movie and realized that I kind of loved it. :) It was so much better than I had expected.
I have a soft spot for movies about underdogs. Not that Walter Mitty is an underdog exactly, but he does get treated badly by the bearded jerk at his job. Walter is an ordinary, somewhat dull guy, but he's also good-hearted, which is obvious from the way he treats his mom and sister. Basically, for the first part of the movie, he's incredibly awkward, which I find really endearing.
This movie is hilarious in a subtle way. It's not goofs and pratfalls, but it makes me laugh from the opening scene (oh, how I can relate to over analyzing everything). I love the Dumbledore joke and all of the other random parts (like the somewhat creepy Benjamin Button thing and the shark attack).
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is such a visually gorgeous film! There's a big contrast between the scenes set at the magazine office where Walter works and the places where he has his adventures. The office is sleek and cold and shiny...and then there's Iceland. Green and vibrant and otherworldly. It looks like one of the most beautiful places on the planet! Apparently most of the locations in the film, even those that are meant to be Greenland and Afghanistan, are really Iceland. And now I really, really want to go there. (Also, Icelandic sheep!)
I love the end of the movie. And I love how Walter changes over the course of the story. He starts off as such an awkward, insecure guy who lets people walk all over him, and by the end he's so much stronger and more sure of himself, though still in a quiet sort of way.
If you haven't seen this movie, you should definitely check it out. It's funny and unassuming and sweet and inspiring. Also: Iceland.
This is a great movie. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is, isn't it? :)
DeleteI enjoyed this movie, too:)
ReplyDeleteIt really took me by surprise!
DeleteThis is the 2nd positive blogger review I have read about this movie recently . . . my interest is piqued . . . at least about Iceland.
ReplyDeleteIt is a really enjoyable movie! And I've become a bit fascinated with Iceland ever since watching it. :)
DeleteNever seen this one, but I think it does look interesting. Thanks for reviewing, Kristin! I may have to rent it. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to see it, Rissi! :)
DeleteI love that movie so much, from Stiller to the music to the scenery (Iceland!! ;)) to the story! One of my fave from last year for sure!
ReplyDeleteIt was one of my favorites from last year, too! :) I'm glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteGreat movie! Ben Stiller did such a good job. Seeing Iceland was one of my favorite things about it, too.
ReplyDeleteI love your movie reviews, Kristin!
Thanks! I always feel like I don't write a proper "review," though. More like my rambling thoughts about what I liked. :)
DeleteI haven't ever really desired to see this movie, but now I must. For Iceland. Ahhh, Iceland!!! XD
ReplyDeleteIt's a surprisingly good movie! :) Hope you enjoy it.
DeleteYes! It's a wonderful movie. And as you said...ICELAND! (Now I really, really want to go there too.)
ReplyDeleteI know, Iceland looks like such a beautiful place!
DeleteMy best friend demanded that I watch this, as she knew that I have a healthy obsession with travel and adventure. I was skeptical. Well it turned out to be one of my favorite movies ever, because... ICELAND. And also, the humor was done right and story was sweet and (mostly) ICELAND. I just found out that I am going to be able to spend a couple days in Iceland this March. So the soundtrack has pretty much become the theme song of my life. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThe humor was really nice in this movie! It seems like most modern comedies are crass, so it's always good to find a truly funny film. :) That's so amazing that you're getting to spend a couple of days in Iceland!
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