WONDERFUL WORLD - ON DEMANDJanuary 07, 2010
Magnolia Pictures On Demand
VOD not only offers PPV Movies that screened in theaters, but cutting edge, independent films. Whether you want to see films made outside the Hollywood system or future stars in breakout performances, On Demand Weekly reviews the latest from the film festival circuit in the comfort of your own home.
Magnolia Pictures On Demand
WONDERFUL WORLD (89 min)
WONDERFUL WORLD is a hidden gem and a perfect film to discover at home. It may not seem to have the elements to compel one to rush to see it in the theater, but it will satisfy those who decide to take a chance on it.
The outside world is bleak for Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick), a divorced, former children's folk singer, sharing a one room apartment and working a thankless job. He struggles with getting along with co-workers, relating to his only daughter to playing chess with his roommate from Senegal, Ibou, played by the underrated Michael Kenneth Williams ("The Wire"). He escapes from it all with the frequent help of marijuana.
There’s no greater evidence of the life he once lived to how he lives now than when he arrives to his ex wife’s modern home, illuminated by running door-side torches, in his small, no frills, several-years-past its prime car. His former wife Eliza, Ally Walker (“The Profiler”), is put off with his dour demeanor while she lives amongst the creature comforts he can no longer afford. He always leaves their encounters feeling self-conscious.
As can be the case with life, opportunity for reclaiming one’s purpose can occur at the oddest of times and sometimes during someone else’s misfortune. When Ibou is hospitalized due to complications with his Diabetes, Ben is reawakened to the pleasure of life with the arrival of Ibou’s alluring sister Khadi, played by Sanaa Lathan (LOVE AND BASKETBALL). Their differences are best typified when they compare cultural sayings. While Khadi talks of seeking treasures in Senegal, Ben counters that America is defined by the bottom line.
Their curiosity in each other leads to interest. By reacquainting himself with some of life’s simple delights, Ben begins to think he can feel for someone again and he tries harder in life, including how to better relate to his daughter. There is no a fairy tale ending for acerbic misanthrope, but Ben does learn the can again offer more to society and partake in a bit of happiness as well.
I’m more convinced by a movie when I’m pleasantly surprised by the appearance of a strong character actor. WONDERFUL WORLD possesses a terrific supporting cast to Broderick, including the always excellent Phillip Baker Hall (MAGNOLIA). Broderick is quite deft at playing an embittered role (Ferris Bueller this is not) without too much meanness so as you root for him to reclaim what was taken from him.
Writer, director Joshua Goldin returns from a long sabbatical from the screen (his most notable screenplay being DARKMAN in 1990). WONDERFUL WORLD is full of rich dialogue and one liners.
“It’s easier to keep people in line by appealing to their worst impulses vs. their best.”
“How much of your life is your fault and how much is the world’s.”
“It’s a shame to be so great at something no one cares about.”
It’d be a shame if Joshua Goldin doesn’t write more and if people don’t see WONDERFUL WORLD.
WONDERFULWORLD on VOD.
$9.99. HD R. Available only until 1/7/2010
COMCAST ON DEMAND: Movies & Events > Magnolia Pictiures > Wonderful World
TIME WARNER ON DEMAND: Movies on Demand > Magnolia Pictiures > Wonderful World
Look for the 4 minute behind the scenes On Demand too.
