The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Genre: Romantic Comedy / Drama

Directed by: Ben Stiller

Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine

Running time: 114 minutes

This second film adaptation of James Thurber’s short story of the same name (the first dating back to 1947) tells the story of Walter Mitty, a negative assets manager at Life magazine who goes through life daydreaming adventures for himself instead of actually living them out. He is in love with a coworker, but he is too scared to act upon it. When it is announced that Life magazine will close down, a final cover picture is chosen. Unfortunately, Walter cannot find the negative for it. He might just have to snap out of his constant reverie to find the needed photo.

This remake was in talks for a very long time before it was actually made. Maybe the people involved were daydreaming. At one point, it was rumored that Jim Carrey would play the lead. In the end, Ben Stiller directed it and played the title role. Personally, I feel that was a good choice for Walter Mitty, as the American actor brought a good mixture of humor and sensibility to the character. Others may have done well too, but Stiller did an awesome job. He was funny, without ever going over the top with it. He could also show vulnerability, without too much cheesiness.

Visually-speaking, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a sight to behold. The daydreaming scenes are very well done. The film goes in overdrive at times in the motivation department, but it manages to deliver a very compelling story wrapped in a nice message. Dreams are indeed good, but actions are necessary to get anywhere.

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