The Great New Wonderful (2005)
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73% of critics liked it
(40 reviews) -
28% of users liked it
(18,596 ratings)
A collection of everyday New Yorkers struggle to carry on with their increasingly stressful lives a year after the city was forever changed by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Brooklyn-native Danny Leiner's ensemble-cast slice of life. Dr. Trabulous (Tony Shalhoub) is a gifted psychologist with a… More A collection of everyday New Yorkers struggle to carry on with their increasingly stressful lives a year after the city was forever changed by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Brooklyn-native Danny Leiner's ensemble-cast slice of life. Dr. Trabulous (Tony Shalhoub) is a gifted psychologist with a special knack for truly understanding his patients. When an ordinary businessman (Jim Gaffigan) who has witnessed a terrible office tragedy seeks to gain the insight of the seasoned professional, Dr. Trabulous helps to release a hidden rage that has slowly been eating away at the man's troubled soul. Meanwhile, in the culinary world, Great New Wonderful pastry shop proprietor Emme Keeler (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is about to discover that unseating the woman known as the Queen of Cake (Edie Falco) doesn't come without some heavy consequences. Elsewhere in the city, troubled couple Allison (Judy Greer) and David Burbage (Tom McCarthy) fight to save their marriage and break through to their curiously overconfident ten-year-old boy. Avi (Naseeruddin Shah) and Satish (Sharat Saxena) are immigrants and best friends who work together as security guards and wander the city making observations about contemporary America until their opposing perspectives are challenged by an unexpected development in their lives that neither saw coming. And despite the comfort she takes in her daily routine, Julie Berman (Olympia Dukakis) discovers that her passion for life has long since died, until a visit with a childhood friend helps her to realize just what she's been missing all these lonely years. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Directed By
- Danny Leiner
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- Jun 23, 2006 Wide
- Studio
- First Independent Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Bob Longino, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not all the little stories and vignettes work (some seem almost pointless), but most of the performances, especially a haughty luncheon under a veil of politeness with Gyllenhaal and Falco, are spot on, involving and revealing.
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Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News
It may be the 9/11 movie to which the most people can relate. For most of us, that date wasn't about personal heroics or losing loved ones or survival. It was about processing the impossible and realizing that life, with all its ups and downs, must go on.
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Bill Stamets, Chicago Sun-Times
Luminous, affecting, and at times humorous take on 9/11's aftermath.
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Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
While the film rarely imparts a true sense of messy everyday feelings and the strife of real life, the fine actors take your mind off the shortcomings.
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Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Set on the one-year anniversary of the twin towers' collapse, the drama interweaves five stories about New Yorkers. It's a testament to the city's resolve to resume life as normal.
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Cast
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Maggie Gyllenhaal
as Emme Keeler
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Olympia Dukakis
as Judy Berman
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Judy Greer
as Allison Burbage
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Naseeruddin Shah
as Avi
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Tony Shalhoub
as Dr. Trabulous
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Jim Gaffigan
as Sandy
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Sharat Saxena
as Satish
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Edie Falco
as Safarah Polsky
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Tom McCarthy
as David Burbage
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Stephen Colbert
as Mr. Peersall
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Billy Donner
as Charlie
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Will Arnett
as Danny
