If ... Wonderful World seem(s) a little tired, the film still has its own low-key pleasures, thanks to Broderick's restrained performance and a script that punctuates the inescapable saccharine of its storyline with tart little bursts of anger.
Wonderful World
Happiness is a state of mind
2009 · 1h 29m · R
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Directed by
Joshua Goldin
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Wonderful World
Overview
Ben Singer is a failed children's folk singer, a career proofreader, a less-than-extraordinary weekend dad, and perhaps the most negative man alive. Floundering in all aspects of his life, Ben's only comfort comes from regular chess games and friendly debates on game theory with his Senegalese roommate Ibou. When Ibou is suddenly struck ill, Ben's pessimistic worldview seems unequivocally confirmed. It takes an extended visit from Ibou's sister Khadi for Ben to realize that cynicism may be all a matter of perspective.
Director and cast
- Joshua Goldin Director
- Matthew Broderick as Ben Singer
- Sanaa Lathan as Khadi
- Michael Kenneth Williams as Ibu
- Philip Baker Hall as The Man
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Cyril
- Jodelle Ferland as Sandra
- Ally Walker as Eliza
- Mia Ford as Maxine - Cyril's Daughter
- Christy Reese as Cassie
- Zacharias Foppe as Leon
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
While this movie is earnest and well-intentioned, it doesn't quite work.
Not quite good enough.
Despite a film festival pedigree (it was shown at a number of local festivals on the 2009 circuit), the movie is so lightweight and inconsequential that a review seems almost superfluous.
The movie itself is a little too tidy, a little too determined to convey a lesson, but the character sticks with you.
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