Ambitious remake of a classic favorite

Rating: 4/10 (16 October 2018)

The original "Secret Life of Walter Mitty" from 1947 starred Danny Kaye, Virginia Mayo, as well as Boris Karloff, Anne Rutherford, and Faye Bainter, in a fanciful romp. When you write a remake of a of a terrific story, you had better improve the original with better actors, a richer plot, or go in a completely different direction while maintaining the same level of interest.
The 2013 remake took the later approach, yet it failed to produce the same craziness, laughs and just plain fun. Rather than serving the viewer with a Walter having an over-the-top, imaginary life vs his everyday, momma's boy, uneventful existence, the 2013 Walter Mitty didn't show us the two extremes which make the film funny keeping your eyes glued to the screen.
It's not a bad film, I'd still recommend viewing the latter version, but don't expect this film to resemble the 1947 release. Ben Stiller isn't a Danny Kaye, his acting style is quiet fitting the light romantic comedy best. Kaye was outrageous, he was being chased by a Karloff and friends who were interested in putting an end to Walter, while his mother was forcing her son into marriage.