Spinning out of its premiere at NYFF, Ben Stiller's
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty briefly rode a wave of Oscar buzz for the director/star, and there are perhaps enough glowing reviews to keep it in the race. And while there has been a great deal of praise for Stiller doing something different than his usual brand of broad comedy, there has been a swell of criticism claiming the film aspires only to be a piece of family-friendly entertainment and nothing more. Whatever it turns out to be, a new six-minute trailer provides the best look at the film yet.
Based on the James Thurber short story and the 1947 Danny Kaye film, the story centers on Walter Mitty, a LIFE magazine editor who escapes his dull, invisible life by indulging in fantastical daydreams. Inspired by a photograph and the desire to save the job of the woman he loves (Kristen Wiig), Mitty sets off on an epic adventure that takes him to all corners of the globe.
We'll be checking the film out later today so expect a verdict soon.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty opens Christmas Day.
