Blu-ray Review: ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’

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CHICAGO – Ben Stiller plays Walter Mitty: a man whose constant daydreams about life are interrupted by a series of real-life adventures that may or may not help him find love and save his job. This is a sweet-tempered and often visually spectacular film. It has the guts to be really weird at times as well. The end result? The film is entertaining, but it’s just too scattered to really imprint on the average viewer. That’s too bad because Ben Stiller distinguishes himself here in way that real cineastes will appreciate.

Rating: 5.0/5.0

This is one of those films that offers impeccable composition but it’s less the kind of composition that should be freeze framed. It’s more the kind that is appreciated in moving images. It’s kind of like life itself. In fact, the implication is that life itself is better than cinema or daydreams. If the film offers up its emotionality in ultra broad strokes, Stiller makes every effort to come by them honestly. The message of “If you want to connect, then connect” might just impact those who are inspired by it. I was.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was released on Blu-ray on April 15, 2014
Photo credit: Fox

Special Features:
o Deleted, extended and alternate scenes
o Behind the scenes
o Gallery: Reference photography
o Music video: “Stay Alive” by Jose Gonzales
o Theatrical trailer

By DAVE CANFIELD Contributor HollywoodChicago.com dave@hollywoodchicago.com