Wonderful World (2009)

Ben Singer has his cynical worldview darkened by his roommate Ibu's sudden medical situation, though the arrival of Ibu's sister, Khadi, might remedy both men's ills.

Director:

Joshua Goldin (as Josh Goldin)

Writer:

Joshua Goldin (as Josh Goldin)

Stars:

Matthew Broderick, Sanaa Lathan, Michael Kenneth Williams

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew Broderick	...	Ben Singer
Sanaa Lathan	...	Khadi
Michael Kenneth Williams	...	Ibu
Philip Baker Hall	...	The Man
Jesse Tyler Ferguson	...	Cyril
Jodelle Ferland	...	Sandra
Ally Walker	...	Eliza
Christy Reese	...	Cassie
Zacharias Foppe	...	Leon (as Zacharias E. Foppe)
Cristen Barnes	...	Suzie
Mia Ford	...	Maxine - Cyril's Daughter
Paul T. Taylor	...	Doug
James Burton	...	McRory
Dan Zanes	...	Sweeny
John Hambrick	...	Judge Bissel

Storyline

Ben is a failed children's folk singer and less-than-extraordinary weekend dad. Deeply cynical, Ben's sole pleasure in life is derived from chess games with his Senegalese roommate Ibou. When Ibou is suddenly struck ill and an insensitive municipal employee exacerbates the emergency situation, Ben's pessimistic world view seems unequivocally confirmed. But when Ibou's sister Khadi takes his place in their apartment, what starts as an awkward living arrangement becomes something more, and Ben finds that cynicism may be all a matter of perspective.

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Plot Keywords:

children's music | song | singer | senegalese | roommate | 

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Taglines:

If the glass is half empty, at least you can't drown.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, some drug use and sexual content

Did You Know?

Trivia

At one point in the film, Matthew Broderick and Sanaa Lathan are talking about the impossibility of their relationship. Lathan's character says that they are like a hippo and a lion trying to mate. Broderick asks 'who's the hippo. Broderick voiced Simba in the "Lion King" franchise.

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Goofs

The chess board Ben and Ibou are playing on is placed wrongly. The rightmost square on the row nearest each player is not a white square but a black one.

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Quotes

Ben Singer: [His car's out of gas] What kind of neighborhood doesn't have a gas station?

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Connections

Featured in The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: Matthew Broderick/Robin Tunney/Ke$ha (2010)

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Soundtracks

Going Down Fannin Street
Written by Dan Zanes
Performed by Dan Zanes

User Reviews

Wonderful movie

This is one of those quiet, well made movies that usually don't make any money. However, it makes you think. It makes you think about your life, what you have to be thankful for and how life's events dictate how you feel about yourself. This is a very well written, clever, idealistic script by Joshua Goldin. He also does a great job in directing it. I hope that this movie gets the opportunity for wide release sometime soon.

Matthew Broderick plays the title role and it's his best role in a very long time, probably since Election. He finally has an opportunity to explore a character and his transformation from pessimist to optimist is quite enjoyable as well as touching to witness. He is surrounded by a great supporting cast, Sanna Lathan, who is a beautiful and strong Sengalese woman he is touched by. Also, Jodelle Ferland, who has such terrific chemistry with Broderick that it's a such a joy to watch their scenes.

I highly recommend this movie.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site

Country:

USA Germany

Language:

English Wolof

Release Date:

27 April 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Wonderful World

Filming Locations:

Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,582, 10 January 2010

Gross USA:

$9,309

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$9,309

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cold Iron Pictures, K5 International, Ambush Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1