The problem with platitudes is that they may profess a nice sentiment, but the statement tends to be an obvious one, and it will be a fleeting memory by the time you finish reading that t-shirt or bumper sticker. Platitudes can't cut deeper and provide a thoughtful, lasting impression that would cause us to seriously take stock of our lives and values. Ben Stiller's two-hour platitude, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, may seem like it's championing bravery and adventure, but the presentation, while initially enjoyable, quickly becomes hollow, frivolous, and overbearing. It's a movie where a man's facial hair defines his character more than his actions. Walter Mitty (Stiller) works as a photo manager for Life Magazine and spends a large portion of his time daydreaming about being confident and courageous. He also daydreams about his new co-worker Cheryl (Kristen Wiig), but can't even work up the nerve to send her a "wink" on eHarmony. While working in the photo lab, Walter receives a roll from legendary photographer Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn) with photo #25 being singled out as "the quintessence of Life" (literally the magazine, but thematically it couldn't be more obvious). The smarmy exec (Adam Scott) in charge of shutting down the print edition of Life to move the publication to an online format wants the vaunted image for the cover of the final issue, but Walter can't find the photo. Resolved to solve the mystery of the missing photo, Walter sets out on a real adventure to ...
No comments:
Post a Comment