when movie critics just don't get it

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Critics and audiences do not agree on The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, to say the least. I get why critics were critical. But it's also extraordinary the degree to which Walter Mitty is so many people's favorite, or near-favorite film. It's sweet, atmospheric, has a killer soundtrack, gorgeous cinematography, and just generally great vibes. Ben Stiller can direct a movie. No question. So today, I just want to celebrate the movie a bit, and compare it briefly to the original Secret Life of Walter Mitty from 1947. This one is definitely for the fans.
Written & edited by Danny Boyd
#waltermitty #benstiller #videoessay

[@CinemaStix]

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[@AlleyKatPr0]

Great movie - and like the theme of the movie, is something you are best suited to discover for yourself

[@daniels1485]

I've been trying to buy that on bluray for a while but it's too expensive. I think it might be the most visually beautiful movie I've ever seen.

[@jeb6361]

As the great Owen Wilson once said, " Wow ".

[@wobblysauce]

That classic, Wow, wow.

[@ajvonline]

I think more than once 😊

[@kurttayy]

that scene with him skating down the mountains is one of the best moments ever

[@carolyn_bo_barolyn]

And the Junip song playing… it gets me every time.

[@VereskVeil]

yes, I wish I could do it. It looks like absolute freedom

[@illyth63]

My wife and I took our honeymoon in Iceland and we found that road. We aren't skaters, so we just drove down. It's in a particularly quiet and remote part of the island, but even in our rental car it was a surprisingly thrilling descent -- more so than you might think from the movie. Icelandic roads are gorgeously smooth and pristine, but they're also unforgivingly narrow, so you need to stay sharp at all times.

[@MightyAtom1952]

This movie quite literally changed my life. After watching it I got the courage to apply for a job in a country that didn't speak the language or could read the alphabet. From my small town, I had never even travelled outside my state, to a whole different continent.

[@kds5065]

Conversely, after seeing this movie it made me realize how unhappy I was with my job/living situation. That week I ended up putting in my notice to leave. And then a few weeks later I moved back home where I had a lot more support. I do not regret it.

[@Neumonics429]

I love how in this film Walter and Shawn Penn's character idolize each other for the exact opposite reasons. Walter wishes he could be Shawn Penn's character, and Shawn Penn idolizes the small moments. They both want what the other has. Its just an interesting detail that this action star and explorer just wants to have some coffee and talk with people every once in a while.

[@Mart-B]

As an Irishman I'm contractually obliged to point out that Penn's first name is spelled the Irish way, Sean

[@ElMeach]

I don't think Sean idolize Walter that much. It is more like he has learnt to value all the small details and he knows half his work has been a success thanks to Walter being his distant partner all this time. That's why that photo is so important to his character, maybe not that much for everyone else all this years but to him photographing Walter's dedication to both of their work was beautiful to him. Walter has been the perfect partner and friend through their shared work and only Sean's character was being recognized and idolized by everybody else.

[@breadboard4538]

@@Mart-B Lol, I had no idea that Sean is the irish spelling! Although I guess it makes sense, since it doesn't make sense... anyway, love u Ireland XOXO

[@Mart-B]

@@breadboard4538 Ireland loves you too. The actual Irish spelling includes a line over the 'a', called a fada, but I dunno how to include it here. Without the fada, sean is an Irish word meaning "old", rather than the name.

[@luke.hoffman]

Easily one of the most under appreciated films I’ve ever seen, one that holds a special place in my heart. Thank you for bringing more attention to it, Danny 🫡

[@JoahJacobs]

Finally, some recognition this film deserves

[@billychambers6400]

This movie unironically changed my life. I dream so much. Always in the day, daily in the night. This movie made me want to chase reality. My goal became to visit Iceland. When I finally did, it was like a dream. I'll never forget it.

[@khogg3581]

I was also inspired to explore Iceland after seeing this film. In the summer of 2015, I backpacked the Laugarvegurinn, visited some of the natural wonders of the island (waterfalls, beaches, hot springs, ice lagoons), and spent a few days in Reykjavik. It was a trip of a lifetime!

[@outofsyncsamurai]

Last year I finally got to visit Iceland as my first ever big international trip and I also went specifically because of this film and it was every bit as wonderful as I had hoped it would be.

[@rex-racer]

Balderdash. The quintessential point of this exquisite film, without distraction, distinction, or delay (and disappointingly making no appearance in this otherwise stellar commentary) is summed up with one word: Cinnabon

[@CinemaStix]

Truer word never spoken :)

[@Brushfire22]

Fairly certain neither one took an actual bite while filming that scene. To me, it's so obvious they are fake eating. Maybe I've just seen the movie too many times...

[@rex-racer]

@@Brushfire22 Maybe it’s the “Mandibella” Effect?? 😉

[@MacroManatee]

@@rex-racerI’m dead 💀

[@KyleOfTheBeard]

This movie’s sense of wanderlust is so powerfully instilled in anyone who’s open enough to engage with it. That sense of awe and scale you get when you travel to far away places you’ve maybe only ever dreamed of going to before is so palpable when you’re watching it. I love it to bits.

[@MiselStarmo]

Dude making me cry this early on Saturday morning.

[@CinemaStix]

:)

[@benjiealido2905]

And that ladies and gentlemen is what an underrated film is.

[@jeanmont]

But I don't think it's underrated. It's just not super popular and I'm grateful for it. Had it been a bigger hit, you know we would be here bitching about how Pt. II absolutely ruined it.

[@austin.paquette]

Seeing people still talking about Walter Mitty brings me so much joy. This movie genuinely changed my life, and I show it off with pride to anyone I care about. The film is so in love with the magic of human connection. I resonate with Walter because I've always had trouble with connection, like I've had that moment at the beginning where he needs to find the courage to hit like on someone on a dating app. Contrasting with his growth at the end, and his resume now filled with adventure, is what I've begun to strive for before I die. I absolutely adore this movie and I hope Stiller wasn't too hurt by the moronic critics when it came out, and now understands how much of an iconic, timeless piece of important filmmaking he created. I'm glad that now people are giving it a chance and seeing its true beauty and worthwhile lesson.

[@mtreet8428]

every now and then I rewatch "stay alive" clip on youtube and every time it fills me with so much motivation that I feel like swimming over seas and breaking mountains😌

[@CinemaStix]

This

[@tedpetch6180]

Amen. Best of all, my 13 year old loves the movie even more than I do.

[@AustinNGrayson]

“To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” is one of the two quotes that I live by. This film means so much to me.

[@ajvonline]

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) is one of my top 10 favs of the 2010s and has been unjustly underrated imo. Thank you for highlighting this extraordinary film.

[@FelixIakhos]

I love this film. I won't spoil it but what Penn does and says the moment he is about to take the picture always stuck with me.

[@ElMeach]

As a photographer myself, when I am on an important event of people that I love I just remember that scene.

[@enepesf5126]

its pure gold, a bit of wisdom I adhere to every time i'm out snapping pics. its so true!

[@bradyschulenberg6848]

Not only did this movie completely change my taste in music, but because I was only just finishing middle school at the time, it really broke me out of my shell at a time when I was about to enter into highschool. That's doesn't even go into how it got me into photography so thank you for covering one of my favorite movies of all time, you did an excellent job catching what critics did not.

[@aksharaghav9657]

Ben Stiller is a fucking monster as a director. The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty, Tropic Thunder, Severance. Just pefection!

[@Realsagarbhat]

Ben Stiller dude, seriously what a legend.

[@Klavieralter]

A phenomenal overview of a film. The real critics these days are people like Danny. Each video is a wonderful occasion. Every time I watch one of his videos, I see more in cinema. Many thanks for the awesome work.

[@Juju_Miner]

When i wanted to watch a movie i would look up the reviews. If they were favourable, id watch it and if not id move on. This movie changed that process for me. One of my favourite movies and i almost didn't watch it because it had a low rating. I wonder how many great films iv missed because i believed the reviews.

[@3hr1s]

Loved this film so much. It took me a bit of time to get its brilliance and understand the feeling of adventure and happiness it creates. After reflection it's definitely one of my favourite.

[@CinemaStix]

Didn’t hit me full on immediately either. Not to say there weren’t instant moments of wow throughout my first watch. Like basically any time a José González song played. Something I didn’t even have a chance to mention here.

[@3hr1s]

@@CinemaStix Seriously great review, you always provide great perspectives on films that I really appreciate. Thanks!

[@CinemaStix]

Thank YOU. I couldn’t do any of it without the support of people tuning in.

[@jeremiahjones3010]

One of those movies you stumble upon scrolling on a streaming service, remember that you've heard of it and give it a chance and are absolutely blown away. Was not expecting to be so moved and inspired by the man that brought us Tropic Thunder and Zoolander. Criminally underrated. Reminds me of The Razor's Edge, with Bill Murray, where you think you know what you're expecting, a great comedic actor making a serious movie but still expecting their humor to shine through, and it does that, but with so much more weight and depth than you were expecting to experience.

[@twistedjosh14]

Im so happy people are finally starting to give this incredible movie the love it deserves

[@mattwithers5911]

Walter Mitty is one of the most underrated films of all time

[@jada90]

comments like this made me so excited to watch it. It's a pretty "meh" film. All these ppl saying it changed their life must've been living pretty sad lives

[@Marmalade_Sally]

Not really.

[@tamzf1]

I didn't give this one a chance when it was released, partly because its namesake short story by James Thurber was part of my school curriculum in India while growing up, and partly because when it released I was in college exploring other stuff and it sort of flew under the radar. Over the years, it became clear that the movie had a growing number of fans, despite the initial tepidity from these 'critics', but now you've finally convinced me to give it a chance.

[@arthurmertens8671]

I watched this movie as a young kid when my parents took me to the cinema. Idk how long it has been since it came out, but I still think about it. I have never fully considered it my favourite movie ever, I have never even rewatched it. It is however perhaps the only movie that I think about every 4 months. When it comes to the fantastical scenes of "superhero" action, I don't remember a single one. Instead, I remember the main character asking the photographer if he is gonna take the photo, and the response that he gets. I remember wondering if him on jumping on the helicopter was real or another daydream. As was said in the video dismissing or degrading those extravagant scenes misses the entire point. As I have grown older the message I took away from it is to keep being a kid and having those daydreams, and occasionally living them. Cause that is what this movie is in my mind, a cautionary tale.

[@bretosborne7504]

Tragically underappreciated movie. One of my favorite to suggest because so few have seen it but haven't had anyone yet not love it.

[@oharanaoyuki2959]

I am a Japanese fan who loves this movie. I remember being very shocked when I heard the news that the film was very well received in Japan but not in the U.S. at the time of its release. I am very happy to see it being reviewed again. Arigato CinemaStix san.

[@David-dg5vj]

this is one of my favorite films. I went to the cinema with a really good friend and my "Cheryl". For me explains how sometimes your brain works when you are being bullied (like the scene in the elevator), or how you try to prepare things before they happen and imagine how it is going to work (usually does not work really well). and even the ost is good. This is said by someone that doesn't like Stiller's movies, but this is the exception that confirms the rule (direct translation of a spanish saying)

[@Mal_Freeman0451]

In English it's "the exception to the rule". It breaks the rule and therefore does not confirm it.

[@David-dg5vj]

@@Mal_Freeman0451 true, sometimes i get lost in expressions between the different languages i speak (or try to speak like german XD)

[@Hideotronic]

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is probably my favorite film, and it had a profound impact on me growing up. Thanks for covering this movie! Easily one of the best soundtracks ever recorded!

[@MacroManatee]

It’s movies like this and Stranger Than Fiction (2006) that deeply touched me and shaped my view of life and humanity, and no one “important” ever seems to give them the credit they deserve.

[@Am3r1Kan0]

An all-time favorite of mine. I watch it maybe once a year, and am always left with a similar feeling to the previous times, but with different takeaways. So charming, exciting, inspiring, and also visually astonishing.

[@chrispooler2546]

This is the movie that set off the spark in my to leave my industry I worked in at 15 years. I did a cross country trip and found a new job that I enjoy. Thank you for doing this video. I hope others can be moved by this underrated movie.

[@celesteelka]

Easily one of my favorite movies, so happy you're shining a light on it

[@SirSmoldham]

Thank you for bringing attention to this inspiring story and these film adaptations. Stiller's version will soon achieve the recognition it deserves thank to your observations.

[@Jakeuscus]

This film was my family’s Christmas Day movie the year it came out. I was 15. It is a favorite of mine to this day and one of the reasons I’ve sought out travel, adventure, and connection with those kindred souls that seem to have this films’s message running through their veins like I do.

[@benconnolly9883]

When me and my best friends watched this movie, after it ended, we could only sit in silence. *That* silence. Thank you Danny ❤

[@johngaltline9933]

Have never seen the movie, but to this day I still have to throw in a shout of "Puppy Biscuits!" somewhere in every conversation with my best friend from high school when we read the story.

[@fernandopelaezfilm]

Incredibly underrated movie. So glad you are talking about it and showing it some love.

[@spacejunk8978]

I start tearing up hard EVERY TIME when Arcade Fire comes on during the beginning of his journey

[@TheJ_G]

I saw this movie several times in theaters. I loved it. The theater was almost always close to empty. People absolutely didn’t appreciate it at the time. It’s nice to see that maybe it’s turning a corner.

[@RobGMun]

This movie will want to make you book tickets to go Iceland for a holiday, it makes that country look stunning!

[@robertochocula]

I saw this movie in theaters when it first came out, and I was incredibly touched by it. It has always remained close to my heart since.

[@tbharris22]

This movie inspired me to spend most of my free time in my 20s traveling and living. Changed my life. Your poignant words at the end of the movie made me tear up. I always enjoy your videos, but this one put words to a movie that inspired me to be me. You’re great at what you do!

[@TheRileyC]

You really knocked it out of the park with this video. I can't even put my finger on why, but it was a real treat to watch.

[@Runicbear]

Fun fact: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is actually the origin story of Target Lady

[@georginatoland]

😂

[@JakeAdkinsOfficial]

The soundtrack to this movie is gold, and a perfect snapshot of the indie/hipster wave of the early 2010s.

[@captainobvious9188]

This is one of my favorite modern films, but I think it is definitely evaluated based on parallels of individual experience. Stranger than Fiction is another film that strikes me similarly.

[@craig891]

I love this movie. Watch it every time I’m in a rut, or feel the black dog sneaking up on me.

[@chrismurdock5287]

This movie was amazing, it's been one of my favorites for years. Thank you for a great analysis!

[@ventrillo9]

Velvet Moon's Open Sky just made me take a seat for a moment 😂 A game called LAKE had this in its soundtrack while you drive around a literal lake delivering mail

[@georginatoland]

I ❤ Lake! That’s a game I have played over and over again.

[@gabrielhunt1797]

I love Walter Mitty, genuinely one of my favorite movies since I was a kid, It's surprising that it never got much appreciation.

[@retropyro]

I'm shocked to this day how many people just dismiss this film. One of my favorite films ever.

[@chrisrubio8212]

Finding the courage to overcome ego and overcome self doubt so you can fully embody your conscience… that is the purpose of life. That’s what Walter does.

[@funkynerd_com]

I'm not crying. You're crying! 😢

[@nuxkamina]

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is one of my favorite movies. I realized young, I have never needed movie critics, these aren't huge investments. I'd rather listen to the people that create - like Danny Boyd.

[@scottmccarthy1274]

This is actually one of my favorite films of all time and you did a fantastic analysis of it.

[@vinny142]

The irony of a movie critic says that *other* critics "just don't get it"... What exactly zero "movie critics" get is that their opinion is just that: an opinion. And it's worth just as little as every other opinion by anybody else. An opinion is never wrong or right, it is shared by others or it is not. If you enjoy a movie and get all these thoughts stirring up in your mind: great! The director wanted you to have a good time and you had that. Good! If you did not enjoy a movie: Don't watch it again. The main thing to remember is that YOU liked or disliked tie movie. That is not the movie's fault or the movies superpower. It's just that what you saw resonated with what YOU like. Thew sooner you realise that nothing you think about a movie is in any way important to anybody other than you, the sooner you can get over yourself and start explaining WHY you feel that way. I like to hear which bits of a movie gave you a particular feeling, but please for the love of F stop pretending that things like this movie being shot on film is even visible to you, or that it matters in any way at all to what the movie became. It is nothing more than one of those tidbits of information that gives you a completely unjustified feeling that the movie must be better for it. And just as a warning for the future: never EVER talk about practical effects vs CGI because you have seen movies that are 80% CGI and you never, ever, noticed.

[@fencore]

I absolutely love TSLOWM, from the first time I saw it in 2014, downloaded from torrent thinking it'll be a funny Ben Stiller comedy, till now, 10 years later that I watch it at least 3 times a year from the Bluray disc I bought the day after. Sadly the fact that is Ben Stiller and the "kind of movies" he is more famous for, closes a lot of doors for a lot of people. I've shown this movie for at least 8 friends and family who had zero interest in seeing it because of him (he's kind of a polarizing actor it seems) and they all loved it. It is a Great movie, with great images, music and a general atmosphere that always leaves me with a tear and a smile. Thank you for this video! You made justice to it

[@carmanterblanche]

There's a reason this movie is on my "all-time must watch movies" list. But it seems most people who watched it thought it was an enjoyable film rather than a remarkable one.

[@JasonStorey]

I love this video. I remember watching this video and feeling a real sense of disquiet. An almost call to action but at the same time it made me reflexively call the movie saccharine and sentimental as a way to distance myself from the very real discomfort I felt after watching it. It felt like a channel and like it was politely commenting on my life and asking me if I am happy? then putting on its gentleman's hat, placing a lingering hand on my shoulder for a beat long enough to speak volumes, then meandering slowly into a nearby park. Then I read the reviews and saw how generally poorly it was received, how it was considered dumb and a surface level appeal to emotion. I tried squaring those and second guessed my own reaction. So many movies come and go and that one did stick with me enough to perk up when you mentioned it so I am glad to see it getting some attention.

[@AndrewSternkern]

I love this movie to bits and pieces. One of my go to feel good movies. So beautiful, serene, heartwarming and it just feels cozy.

[@MicahKhan]

I'm so glad people are finally starting to appreciate this movie.

[@NeonNijahn]

I may have cried at the end of your video just remembering the ending. 😢

[@xXxNickWilsonxXx]

This is honestly me and my wife's favorite movie to watch to pick us up. We even have a painting of it in our bathroom

[@OGM210]

You keep killing it. Easily one of my favorite KZbinrs.

[@victor8100]

More Ten years ago was out with friends, and while we waited to see some blockbuster late that day we decide to spend our afternoon watching other movies, i saw Ben Stiller on the cover expecting some easy comedic just to pass time and suggested we watched this, never hear of the movie before, we had nothing to do was just a coincidence, we watched 4 or 5 movies that day, i cant remember the others but this one was a incredible experience.

[@VereskVeil]

I watched that movie few years ago after my Big Travel that changed my life entirely after years of nothingness. And I fell in love with it, it was extremely beautiful, weird, meditative, wholesome and tragic. It spoke my newly acquired language. I was appalled when I check critics review for it. I don't even know why did I do that, but those reviews were truly shallow and almost vain.

[@ThatXavier]

I remember watching this movie when it first came out. I was 15 years old at the time, and thought this was one of the best that came out that year. The fantastical elements clashing with reality was interesting take. Your imagination on who you’d like to be, versus who you are in reality, having the ultimate answer being you can be anything of those things, and it’s OK. Loved the cinematography in the movie, and Ben Stiller as a Director. All great!

[@SzymonAdamus]

The older I get the more this movie seems to me as a story about middle life crisis and not understanding that life does not have to be full of adventures and wild rides on skateboard in Island. Happienes does not need spectacle. Yeah, Walter is taking charge, having a lot of great experiences, fun and emotions. But the true happines doesn't really need all that. It needs accepting the monotony of everyday life, people in it and little thing that makes it awesome. You don't have to go to the other side of the world and have a grand adventure to be happy.

[@aksharaghav9657]

Must've been hard to play these different songs while making the video, because the original soundtrack is just perfect!

[@michael2636]

You sold me on this movie in the first 80 seconds. I'll be back to finish your video after i watch this film for the first time!

[@JZStudiosonline]

James Thurber hated the original movie and apologized to his fictional character because it took a very normal person and made him an international spy, the least normal person thing there is. The original story, Walter was just daydreaming while going around shopping, and that's it. There's no big revelation, no life-altering event, just a man spacing out and daydreaming while shopping with his wife. The Ben Stiller movie I think personifies it better. He doesn't necessarily do anything extraordinary, and it starts as just visiting somewhere he's never been.

[@andrewwalledge6101]

Have always had this film as a 'guilty pleasure' so I'm glad that others share that view. Wonderful cinematography, just a really nice film with great music.

[@yashvrdnjain]

One of the most underrated movies ever. One of my all-time favorites!

[@BadeniaFilme]

I got back into this film just days ago, and I am very happy that you made a video about it

[@nilsify]

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is an amazing movie and I am thankful that I discovered it when it came out, it gave me a great new perspective

[@tortasatmidnight]

This is by far one of my favorite movies thank you for covering it

[@emtoprma]

Anybody who likes Walter Mitty should definitely watch Hector and the Search for Happiness. They have very similar vibes. I like both very much.

[@QJDWG]

This is one of my favorite films of all time, full stop.

[@90s_HipHop]

I think this movie is fantastic. Walta Mitty was different, thought-provoking, and heartwarming. It made me think more about my own life (perhaps saddened by the fact it seems to be passing and rather mundane). I enjoyed the cinematography and soundtrack and really love the latter part of the movie where you really see Ben's character blossom.

[@TechieTrevor]

I just rewatched this last weekend. I thought it was so underrated.

[@catbertz]

Put me in the yay camp. Mitty just touched something for me. It had an introspective feel that made me think and reflect on my life in a positive way. As many say the cinematography was outstanding as well.

[@jerrysstories711]

I loved "The Secret Lives of Waldo Kitty" as a kid. I learned years later it was a parody of a boring "grown-ups" movie that didn't have anything to do with cats.

[@MothGodSpectreDXIX]

I absolutely love this movie. I haven’t seen it in years and you just reminded me about how amazing it was

[@CinemaStix]

Mission complete.

[@angkeesripakagorn2951]

this is one of my favorite movie. Thanks for reminding us how underrated it is.

[@sreif78]

Walter Mitty remake, under rated film. Beautifully shot.

[@bucketspree4952]

I always thought this movie was highly artistic, and wondered why it didn't get more hype

[@nickbarker1616]

Its my favourite movie. the thing I love is the reveal that the thing that he's been on this whole film searching for has been in his wallet the entire time.

[@gerwen1]

Great love letter to a film that seems like such a hidden gem. I've always loved this film, and I love getting a deeper look at things that make it great beyond what I normally notice. I'm not sure why, but this film and Stranger than Fiction are linked in my mind, maybe because they're flicks that are way better than they appear on the surface.

[@TonyIgnatova]

When i watched it for the first time, i could tell it was different, but i was still too young and full of naiveté abiut life. I think its finally time to watch it again and let it touch my soul in a way it hadn't before

[@Yuuteimiya]

It was such an influential movie for me, even though I'm still a young adult. I was so surprised it had such bad reviews. I guess some people "just get it" and some don't...

[@devravi7049]

god i love this movie and i always get so excited when you drop. thank you.

[@djalixer]

Surprisingly the most incredible part of the movie is the dating site showing users’ last name

[@XLL38_00]

I always loved this movie. It's brilliant. And I instantly get a crush on Kirsten Wiig everytime I watch it.

[@ilyily96]

I had no idea the history of the story! A beautiful movie and a great soundtrack too

[@GetSmartish]

I love this film. I guess I get why some don't like it but I feel good watching it-basking in the warmth of uncomplicated metaphor and with the cinematography feeling like it is a gift to my eyes. It is not dissimilar to Joe vs the Volcano, except that this movie doesn't fall apart in the third act.

[@XneverstopfightingX]

It’s funny, this is one of my dad’s favorite movies, and I never hear anyone talk about it.