Ben Stiller takes another turn at directing, as well as acting, in the upcoming film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, a heartwarming comedy that’s set for release on Christmas day.
Based on the 1939 short story by James Thurber, Stiller plays a withdrawn photo editor at Life magazine named Walter, who’s more comfortable day dreaming than living his mundane life.
After an eHarmony consultant asks him, “Have you done anything noteworthy, mentionable?” Walter just sits in sullen silence.
Faced with the termination of his job, Walter’s fantasies become a reality as he goes on a journey to find a missing photo negative for Life’s final issue.
Kristen Wigg plays Walter’s work crush or as the Huffington Post calls her “Mitty’s literal dream girl.” Adam Scott ditches his usual nerdy role and instead, plays Walter’s contemptible boss. Finally, Sean Penn pops in for a cameo as one of Life’s famous photographers.
The trailer is visually stunning due to Stuart Dryburgh’s cinematography and is backed by Of Monsters and Men’s rousing song “Dirty Paws.” From the nearly three minute long trailer, it seems that the movie will be more inspirational than comedic.
Wigg, the lead in the comedy hit Bridesmaids, says, “Life is about courage and going into the unknown.” Stiller and Wigg are typically comedic actors, but it appears that this film will leave audiences with more feel-good goosebumps than roaring laughs.
Earlier this month, The Secret Life of Walter Witty screened at the New York Film Festival and was met with mixed reviews.
Film writer Pietro Filipponi tweeted, “First thoughts on the Secret Life of @Waltermitty: Heart-warming & hilarious. Smiled throughout. It’s the feel good movie of the year.”
However, film critic David Ehrlich tweeted, “SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY: Garden State for middle-aged office, drones. Visually playful Hallmark sentiment, so inspiring it can’t inspire.
How will you like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty? Check out the latest trailer below!
There has been a critical error on your website.<\/p>
Learn more about debugging in WordPress.<\/a><\/p>","data":{"status":500},"additional_errors":[]}