Wonderful World (2009)

38% of critics liked it
(29 reviews)
34% of users liked it
(1,552 ratings)

A pessimistic pothead struggles with his own cynicism after his Senegalese roommate is stricken ill and an insensitive municipal employee inadvertently exacerbates an already desperate situation. Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick) wanted to be a children's folk singer; instead he's become a career… More A pessimistic pothead struggles with his own cynicism after his Senegalese roommate is stricken ill and an insensitive municipal employee inadvertently exacerbates an already desperate situation. Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick) wanted to be a children's folk singer; instead he's become a career proofreader and the world's worst weekend dad. But while Ben's life may be a mess, at least his regular chess games with his roommate, Ibou, offer some amount of intellectual release. That all changes when Ibou falls mysteriously ill, and his malady is compounded by the indifference of a rude municipal employee. Convinced that his negative world view has finally been confirmed, Ben channels all of his energy into a frivolous lawsuit against the city before discovering that his misanthropy may be a simple matter of perspective. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Josh Goldin
Written By: Joshua Goldin
Genres: Drama, Romance

In Theaters: Jan 8, 2010 Wide
On DVD: Mar 16, 2010
Studio: Magnolia Pictures

Critic Reviews

Dan Kois, Washington Post
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.
A.O. Scott, At the Movies
While this movie is earnest and well-intentioned, it doesn't quite work.
Michael Phillips, At the Movies
Not quite good enough.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
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.
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
It's all very sincere, but watching a dweebish depressive learn that Life Is Good is a lesson of diminishing returns.
David Edelstein, New York Magazine
The movie is unfailingly likable and finally impressive. Goldin doesn't settle for easy answers, and he makes you think that no one should.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
There's ultimately little doubt that the movie is far more successful as a showcase for Broderick's stirring work than as a fully realized drama...
Kam Williams, Sly Fox
Ferris Bueller's Jungle Fever!
Tricia Olszewski, Washington City Paper
Matches every cliché with a bit of melodrama.
John Hartl, Seattle Times
The movie itself is a little too tidy, a little too determined to convey a lesson, but the character sticks with you.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A touching spiritual drama about a cynical man and his auspicious relationship with a wise Senegalese brother and his beautiful sister.
Mark Keizer, Boxoffice Magazine
Soft sells its cliches so effectively and without guile they seem fresh in the telling. Then again, maybe you can never overuse the concept of people learning how to be happy.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
watching this dud is a reminder as to why Goodbye Solo and The Visitor worked as well as they did.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

I really like this movie. I'm not the biggest Matthew Broderick fan, but I thought that he did an exceptional job in this nice little movie. I do wish that Jesse Ferguson had a bigger role, cuz I think he is a crack up. What more could you ask for, though? A movie with heart,… More
I really like this movie. I'm not the biggest Matthew Broderick fan, but I thought that he did an exceptional job in this nice little movie. I do wish that Jesse Ferguson had a bigger role, cuz I think he is a crack up. What more could you ask for, though? A movie with heart, that leaves you with a really good feeling.
♥˩ƳИИ &

CAST: Matthew Broderick, Jodelle Ferland, Michael Kenneth Williams, Sanaa Lathan, Jesse Tyler, Ally Walker, Philip Baker Hall DIRECTED BY: Josh Goldin SUMMARY; Dejected, divorced and jobless, Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick) is not inclined to see his glass as half-full. But when… More
CAST: Matthew Broderick, Jodelle Ferland, Michael Kenneth Williams, Sanaa Lathan, Jesse Tyler, Ally Walker, Philip Baker Hall DIRECTED BY: Josh Goldin SUMMARY; Dejected, divorced and jobless, Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick) is not inclined to see his glass as half-full. But when his roommate falls ill and Singer must host the man's Senegalese sister (Sanaa Lathan) in their apartment, his outlook begins to change. MY THOUGHTS: "It wasn't a bad film, just a boring one. It takes way to much time getting where it needs to go. Ben Singer is a man who can't control anything and wants to and only see's the negative in everything. So it's a bit of a downer most of the film. Even his daughter becomes tired of him and his bummer attitude. The acting is there and maybe even the story. But it just didn't do it for me. I'm usually all for these kinds of offbeat movies, but this one was just to drab for my liking I guess."
t h o m !

Lots of holes everywhere. I see where this film could have been really good and uplifting, but it fails to really concentrate on much, scattering about and trying to cover too many angles. Good concept, poor execution, but in the end Matthew Broderick still delivers a somewhat… More
Lots of holes everywhere. I see where this film could have been really good and uplifting, but it fails to really concentrate on much, scattering about and trying to cover too many angles. Good concept, poor execution, but in the end Matthew Broderick still delivers a somewhat endearing character and the end result is a film that is lacking, but not TOO disappointing.

Cast

            Matthew Broderick as Ben Singer

            Sanaa Lathan as Khadi

            Michael Kenneth Williams as Ibou

            Philip Baker Hall as The Man

            Ally Walker as Eliza

            Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Cyril

            Jodelle Ferland as Sandra

            Patrick Michael Carney as Evan

            Christy Reese as Cassie

            Zacharias E. Foppe as Leon

            Cristen Barnes as Suzie

            Mia Alicia Ford as Cyril's Daughter

            Paul Taylor as Doug

            James Burton as McRory

            Dan Zanes as Sweeny

            John Hambrick as Judge Bissel

            Drew Waters as City Lawyer 1

            Odessa Sykes as Laugh Zone MC

            Carey Bowers as Standup Comic

            Linda Leonard as Doctor

            David George as Male Nurse

            William Ragsdale as Bufford

            David Jenson as Tow Truck Driver

            Michael Showers as Lawyer on TV

            Thomas Ike Awagu as African Man
See full cast