Movie Review - The Secret Life of Walter MItty

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty ** (PG) If you’ve read the original short story by James Thurber and/or seen the 1947 Danny Kaye movie version, you ain’t gonna be happy with Ben Stiller’s idea of how to ramp it up for a contemporary comedy adventure. The basic concept is preserved - Kaye’s Mitty was a beleaguered Milquetoast who escapes into heroic, romantic daydreams which lead to an unlikely real-life encounter with villains and a damsel in distress. Stiller’s embarks on more of a globe-trotting quest, inspired by the woman he loves from afar (Kristin Wiig).
 
Thurber and Kaye thrived on whimsy. Stiller abandons most of that in a relatively heavy-handed production that trades more on special effects and extremes. (Anyone who smiles when reading or hearing “ ta-pocketa-pocketa-pocketa”, will understand what’s missing. ) Stiller’s updated take on the character isn’t nearly as endearing as the earlier Mr. Mitty. The attempt at making his journey seem more realistic and less farcical borders on dishonoring the source material. In fact, Stiller could have crafted this vehicle for himself without having to use the Thurber title. This plot and protagonist bear more of a  resemblance to many of his previous films, from Flirting with Disaster to Greenberg, among others, than to eponymous story and film of yore.
 
I’d have probably liked the film more had they started from scratch, rather than evoking such an ill-fated comparison. Those who haven’t read or seen the earlier incarnations of Walter Mitty will have a better chance of enjoying this one as just another Ben Stiller romantic comedy...which more accurately describes the movie you’re getting. (12/25/13)