Walter Mitty is a downcast dude on the brink of a layoff for his position at Life Magazine. Corporate manager Ted Hendricks (Adam Scott) has a pretentious beard, and gives him grief as the magazine transitions from print to digital. His coworker crush, Cheryl (Kristen Wiig), is only tangible in the extended fantasies he’s prone to. The secret life he imagines in his daydreams is full of adventure, and a recess from his own mundane life. But when a missing photo for the magazine takes him on a voyage to find its photographer (Sean Penn), he gets a taste of real-life adventure.

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is the second film adaptation of James Thurber’s short story of the same name from 1939. The first film was made in 1947, starring Danny Kaye. It’s a fun story. The daydream sequences leaves a lot of room to play with the crazy whims of a man’s imagination, and indeed they’re the best part of the film. He saves the girl, the girl sings karaoke to him and he tells off his boss.  However, there’s not as much comedy in the film as you’d expect from Ben Stiller, both as the lead role and director. The story has a heart-warming undertone that appeals to the audience to follow their daydreams and live how they imagine, but it’s a little too serious. Stiller was likely going for a serious tone to hit home the message of the film, but it reflected too much in his acting.

Overall, Stiller’s directing was successful. There’s some beautiful landscaping during his adventures, and the art and photography style are above par. The daydream scenes are humorous and fun. The acting from Stiller and supporting actors, including Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott and Sean Penn, was all good. The only thing that could have endeared the audience to Mitty more, would have been more comedy. Walter Mitty’s daydreaming, Average Joe character was worthy of a remake, and the film was successful in capturing his spirit. Fans, and anyone would enjoy this movie.