Wonderful World (2009)
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38% of critics liked it
(29 reviews) -
33% of users liked it
(1,699 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… 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
- Directed By
- Josh Goldin
- Written By
- Joshua Goldin
- Genres
- Drama, Romance
- In Theaters
- Jan 8, 2010 Wide
- Studio
- Magnolia Pictures
Critic Reviews
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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.
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A.O. Scott, At the Movies
While this movie is earnest and well-intentioned, it doesn't quite work.
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Michael Phillips, At the Movies
Not quite good enough.
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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.
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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.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Matthew Broderick
as Ben Singer
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Sanaa Lathan
as Khadi
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Michael Kenneth Williams
as Ibou
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Philip Baker Hall
as The Man
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Ally Walker
as Eliza
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Jesse Tyler Ferguson
as Cyril
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Jodelle Ferland
as Sandra
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Patrick Michael Carney
as Evan
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Christy Reese
as Cassie
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Zacharias E. Foppe
as Leon
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Cristen Barnes
as Suzie
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Mia Alicia Ford
as Cyril's Daughter
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Paul Taylor
as Doug
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James Burton
as McRory
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Dan Zanes
as Sweeny
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John Hambrick
as Judge Bissel
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Drew Waters
as City Lawyer 1
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Odessa Sykes
as Laugh Zone MC
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Carey Bowers
as Standup Comic
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Linda Leonard
as Doctor
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David George
as Male Nurse
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William Ragsdale
as Bufford
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David Jenson
as Tow Truck Driver
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Michael Showers
as Lawyer on TV
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Thomas Ike Awagu
as African Man
