The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Release Date: Dec 25, 2013 
Runtime: 1 hr. 54 min. 
Director: Ben Stiller 
Cast: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Patton Oswalt, Shirley MacLaine, Adam Scott, Sean Penn.

Sometimes the smallest of adventures entail the greatest leaps of faith, and for "Walter Mitty," it's all about taking the plunge. Directed by and starring Ben Stiller in the role, it's a loose adaptation of the short story by James Thurber. When we first meet Mitty, he's a habitual daydreamer, fantasizing about ventures of heroic feat. But when his job at Life magazine nears to an imminent end, it's up to him to salvage their last issue at the risk of his wariness. A story about taking chances and living life to the fullest, it's an adage we all strive by in our everyday existence. Augmented by picturesque backdrops and artful motifs, the film's an unexpected turn for Stiller as director. As someone who's mainly focused on outlandish comedies, it's an experimental gamble that graciously pays off. As a result, it's less about the whimsy than having a positive sendoff, which is further enhanced by a memorable soundtrack. That's not to say the film is free from adversities, as it slows and simmers when it's not indulging in fantasies. Kristen Wiig's character lacks any form of substance, primarily standing in as the love interest of our protagonist. Though Stiller's Mitty is no stretch for the actor, he still encompasses the qualities that make him relatable. As we follow him on his quest for self-confidence, it's when we discover our own need to break free from the monotony. Wiig's character sums it best by saying, "life is about courage and going into the unknown." In time, Mitty does learn to let go and explore his potential, giving us a feel good movie that's as simple as that.

Rating: 3½ stars

Black Swan

Release Date: Dec 03, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min. 

Director: Darren Aronofsky 

Cast: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder. 

Fading the lines between art and film, Darren Aronofsky takes us behind the curtain into the intriguing world of ballet in his latest psychological thriller. “Black Swan” tells the story of a ballet dancer named Nina, whose need for perfection consumes her inwardly and outwardly as she prepares for the role of a lifetime. Natalie Portman, as the troubled and soft-spoken dancer, gives a compelling performance that is reasonably her greatest yet, and no doubt Oscar-worthy. As she faces mounting pressure from both her overbearing mother and cunning instructor, played brilliantly by Barbara Hershey and Vincent Cassel respectively, her emotional turmoil and paranoia begin to manifest and mirror itself within. Acting as stark contrast to Nina's 'White Swan' is her rival Lily (Mila Kunis), who embodies all the wrong ideals and attitude that Portman's character lacks. It is this rivalry that ultimately drives Nina to lose all inhibition and transform into the alter-ego of the 'Black Swan.' As a modernist’s re-envisioning of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” the film is darkly entrancing, as it is haunting. It takes time for everything to sink in for you to really appreciate the gravity of the experience. Aronofsky is never one to adhere to genres and it’s clearly shown as the film sways between fantasy and horror. Often times campy, and sometimes self-inflicting, "Black Swan" explores underlying themes of sexual tension and inner demons. The macabre imagery can be difficult to watch at times, but it helps personify the anxiety that the main character is feeling. The choreography is beautifully constructed to impress and terrify, but it's the final act that really captures the true essence of the metamorphosis. With Portman's mesmerizing performance and natural dancing abilities, it would be disappointing to see her not win the top prize.

Rating: 4½ stars

The Lovely Bones

Release Date: Jan 15, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 15 min. 

Director: Peter Jackson 

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Michael Imperioli. 

Having not read the book, I watched this film going in with awe and coming out with a bitter taste in my mouth. The story is anything but uplifting when it's about the murder of a 14-year-old girl. As she looks on from heaven, her family struggles to cope with their new life and a case which no detective can solve. Saoirse Ronan does a terrific job of playing the lead role, already having proved her acting chops in "Atonement," while Stanley Tucci equally delivers as the antagonist. The visuals are stunning, if not sometimes a bit over the top. Peter Jackson captures a heaven of ethereal beauty that is reminiscent of Dali but personalized for Susie Salmon. The only downfall comes in the end when things feel unresolved and apathetic. There is no sense of fulfillment when all things are said and done. Maybe if I had read the book then I would have been less keen to judge. Overall, a beautiful yet tragic story of love, loss and life. 

Rating: 3 stars