It’s a Wonderful World, Sort of

Since it’s the new year many things are brand new: accounts of companies and organizations working on a calendar fiscal year; television seasons; college semesters. It’s a time for renewal and being upbeat about the future.

At first glance it seems odd then that Mark Cuban and Magnolia Films decided this is the time to release Wonderful World, particularly since Matthew Broderick’s protagonist Ben Singer is described by the film’s writer Josh Goldin as “the most negative guy in the world.” The film debuts on HDNet Movies tonight at 8pm ET, with replays at 9:35 and 11:15. It reaches theaters Jan 8.

Almost immediately we learn nearly all we need to know about Ben. He’s indeed negative, slamming “The Man,” advocates of positive thinking, money grubbers and those who put soda machines in schools. In truth, Ben’s railing at capitalism and capitalist society at every chance.

He’s also unshaven, drives a tiny car and works as a proofreader with people half his age. These young people, who view the gig as temporary, marvel at Ben’s 8-year tenure “working for The Man” as a proofreader.

To complete the picture, Ben’s divorced and was once a popular singer and writer of songs for kids. His young daughter (Jodelle Ferland) and ex (Ally Walker of Sons of Anarchy) live in a huge house with the ex’s new husband. Contrast that with Ben, who lives humbly and must share a small apartment with a roommate.

But it’s the roommate, a Senegalese immigrant named Ibou (Michael Kenneth Williams from The Wire), who’s both a counter to Ben (he’s upbeat, neat and sees magic in mundane aspects of life) and a friend. It’s Ben’s largely hidden humanity that allows the two single men to become friends as well as roommates and play chess together.

The film takes a turn when Ibou gets sick and his sister Khadi (Sanaa Latham) comes to America to visit him. We won’t give away too many more details of what occurs next except to say that if Cuban’s subscribers have seen The Visitor, they’ll know much of what follows in Wonderful World.

While the film’s script isn’t at the level of The Visitor—Ben’s pot-induced conversations with “The Man” detract from the pace and reality of Wonderful World—and Broderick’s work doesn’t eclipse Richard Jenkins’ Oscar-nominated performance in The Visitor, there’s plenty to recommend this film.

It might be Broderick’s finest film work in years, largely for its discipline—he barely cracks a smile here. And Lathan turns in a convincing performance, mixing the fascination of an immigrant visiting America for the first time with Senegalese dignity and smoky sexuality.

And from the art-imitating-life-imitating-art department, Dan Zane, a former rocker who has a following as a singer of child-friendly songs, has a cameo in the film. He also wrote a tune that Broderick performs in the film.

And getting back to why Cuban decided to release Wonderful World now. The film’s ending isn’t what Hollywood would have ordered, but it’s somewhat upbeat. For many in these difficult times, that’s a good enough approximation of a wonderful world.