Ben Stiller directs and stars in this remake* of the 1947 Danny Kaye comedy about a daydreaming everyman, based on James Thurber’s short story.

    First published in The New Yorker in 1939, Thurber’s 2.5-page story was well-known. Its title character’s name became a byword* for a person who indulges in* daydreaming.

    Screenwriter Steven Conrad of this film writes a different story from both the prose* source and the previous film. He keeps the central theme of the liberating power of the imagination, but relates Mitty’s fantasies* to the real potential* within him to live life to the full and realize his dreams.

    Also acting as the lead actor, Stiller presents a believable character frustrated* by the fact that he has grown from a cool kid into an unsuccessful adult.

    Mitty works at a modern-version Life Magazine. The building’s blank corridors contrast with* the magazine covers featuring great men and women, and splendid images, all of which satisfy Mitty’s fantasy life.

    In reality, he doesn’t dare to speak to Cheryl (Kristen Wiig), a co-worker and single mother who has caught his eye. With new owners changing from print to digital, and a new manager (Adam Scott) looking to cut jobs, Mitty seems to have no chance.

    When he carelessly loses a negative* from the magazine’s star photojournalist, Sean O’Connell (Sean Penn), that will be used as the final issue’s cover, Mitty is forced to take action.

    Mitty’s journey takes him first to Greenland and from there to volcanic* Iceland. In a second trip, he travels to the Himalayas, where he finally finds O’Connell, gets a new perspective* on living in the moment and plays soccer with Sherpas*.

    The audience will feel the change natural when lonely Mitty’s fantasies gradually leave him and his real life becomes more exciting.

    (SD-Agencies)