The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Name: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Comedy
Released: December 25, 2013
Duration: 114 min
Rating: 54
Cast: Adam Scott, Alex Anfanger, Ben Stiller, Grace Rex, Jonathan C. Daly

2013

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 39 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 616 Ratings

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7.5

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7.5	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 616 Ratings

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The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty

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Movie Details & Credits

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: December 25, 2013 | PG

Starring: Adam Scott, Alex Anfanger, Ben Stiller, Grace Rex, Jonathan C. Daly, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Wiig, Patton Oswalt, Paul Fitzgerald, Terence Bernie Hines

Summary: Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) lives life through his daydreams, but when his job along with that of his co-worker (Kristen Wiig) are threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.

Director: Ben Stiller

Genre(s): Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 114 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Joe Neumaier

Dec 24, 2013

The story Stiller tells manages to float in a most peculiar, satisfying way. Read full review

McClatchy-Tribune News Service Roger Moore

Dec 23, 2013

It’s a charming, whimsical and ever-so-slight film, a bit of an over-reach but pleasant enough, even when it falls short. Read full review

Peter Travers

Dec 28, 2013

In his uniquely funny and unexpectedly tender movie, Stiller takes us on a personal journey of lingering resonance. Read full review

Claudia Puig

Dec 23, 2013

By trying to combine fantasy and romance with goofy humor, globe-trotting adventure and feel-good inspiration, Stiller has made Mitty a mixed bag of clashing tones and facile redemption. Read full review

Joe Morgenstern

Dec 28, 2013

Impressive landscapes, plus Kristen Wiig's appealing Cheryl, the fellow worker who inflames Walter's passion, make the movie enjoyable enough. Yet its style is a constant bafflement. Read full review

Ann Hornaday

Dec 24, 2013

The unevenness of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Stiller’s recessive characterization of the title character, keep it from being an all-out crowd-pleaser. Read full review

Mick LaSalle

Dec 25, 2013

If, while watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, you start wondering why Ben Stiller is acting strange, the answer comes during the closing credits: "Directed by Ben Stiller." Read full review

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User Reviews

satyr8r

Dec 27, 2013

I can't believe this movie has a metascore of 54. This is one of the best movies of the year. I know this site bases the score on a wide range of reviews, but when they get it this wrong I question the value of coming here.

36 of 40 users found this helpful364

cement23

Jan 3, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great movie.....positive message. Good acting and took you on a vacation throughout the world. Great scenery and at end still realistic with two main characters out of a job.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ErrorSource

Apr 29, 2022

What an underrated master piece. Everytime i feel my life is wasted i watch this movie to gain motivation and do something about that feeling. Its magical, sometimes melancholic.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

cylentstorm

Mar 3, 2014

I'll let you in on a little secret: metacritic scores don't mean anything. That being said, I liked this film. Sure, there are beautiful shots blended with vaguely charming performances and plot--both seemingly intentionally understated. BUT--that isn't why I liked it. I saw this at a timeI'll let you in on a little secret: metacritic scores don't mean anything. That being said, I liked this film. Sure, there are beautiful shots blended with vaguely charming performances and plot--both seemingly intentionally understated. BUT--that isn't why I liked it. I saw this at a time when when I could really relate to the struggle of reconnecting with that adventurous spirit that used to keep the Big Gray Nothing at bay. Thanks, Ben and co.--I needed the subtle reminder.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Karlthecat

Jan 16, 2014

As a person who spends a lot of time looking out a window “day dreaming” I was able to relate to Walter a lot. The secret Life of Walter Mitty was clearly a movie that Ben stiller really wanted to make. It is the story of a middle age man who has done nothing with his life, who suddenly hasAs a person who spends a lot of time looking out a window “day dreaming” I was able to relate to Walter a lot. The secret Life of Walter Mitty was clearly a movie that Ben stiller really wanted to make. It is the story of a middle age man who has done nothing with his life, who suddenly has an adventure thrust upon him. This movie is far from perfect but if you are able to overlook some of the more silly parts of the movie, e.g. a scenes where Walter has an all-out fight with one of the bearded pricks in the movie over a Stretch Armstrong doll then you should be fine.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Viper8787

Jul 8, 2014

Started of really, really slow. It is a good thing that it got better as the movie went on or it would have been a really bad movie. Acting was really good by Ben Stiller as he seem to fit his role really well. Got predictable at time but was an overall average movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

beliabukowski

Jan 27, 2014

This is the worst movie that I have seen in years. I can not understand how anyone can claim that it is based on James Thurber's short story by the same title. The only similarity is that both Mittys are day dreamers. The Walter Mitty in Thurber's story had a wife. This movie was just aThis is the worst movie that I have seen in years. I can not understand how anyone can claim that it is based on James Thurber's short story by the same title. The only similarity is that both Mittys are day dreamers. The Walter Mitty in Thurber's story had a wife. This movie was just a bunch of garbage and a big waste of money.… Expand

3 of 22 users found this helpful319

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35	#35 Most Discussed Movie of 2013
51	#51 Most Shared Movie of 2013