The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Review - 3 Stars

Ben Stiller takes the classic James Thurber story turned into a classic Danny Kaye movie and turns it into something contemporary without much spark.  He plays a shy photo editor at LIFE Magazine facing a lay off.  His feelings for co worker Kristin Wiig go nowhere.  Instead of day dreaming about a more alive self he somehow gets the courage to go on a world quest to find a missing negative.  The plot change misses the zest of the Thurber story in which Walter Mitty daydreamed about doing heroic things while cowering under the thumb of his domineering wife.  The world locations add interest as does a cameo by Shirley MacLaine but for most of its running time “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” lacks spark.  Does it deliver what it promises?  A milk toast finds his inner hero.  Is it entertaining?  Feels like a downer.  Is it worth the price of admission?  Skip it.