WALTER (Ben Stiller) processes the negatives for Life magazine, taking care with each image, especially the work of globe-trotting photographer Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn).

Throughout the day, Walter 'zones out' and imagines declarations of love to pretty colleague Cheryl (Kristen Wiig), who seems oblivious to his existence. Arriving for work one morning, Walter learns that the magazine is being shut down to make way for the digital revolution of Life.com.

Corporate toad Ted Hendricks (Adam Scott) is hired to oversee the ‘transition’ and he rides roughshod over disgruntled staff. For the front cover of the final issue, Sean sends a special image but the negative goes astray.

“It's a big deal,” gasps Walter's assistant Hernando (Adrian Martinez), “you lost a Sean O'Connell!” Reluctantly, Walter abandons his mother Edna (Shirley MacLaine) and sister Odessa (Kathryn Hahn) to embark on a lifealtering quest to track down Sean and the original image.

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is a warmhearted tale of a simple man striving to better himself in a world that repeatedly puts him down.

Ben Stiller's remake demands attention with its flashy slow-motion sequences and soundtrack from Arcade Fire, David Bowie and indie-folk band Of Monsters And Men.

DAMON SMITH