Pretty Good

Absolutely Fantastic

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

"Next Stop Wonderland" is a lovely, very underrated indie romantic comedy, co-written and directed by Brad Anderson ("Happy Accidents", "The Machinist"). The always wonderful Hope Davis stars as Erin, a nurse from Boston who's dumped by her boyfriend, Sean (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Her liberal mother (Holland Taylor) places a personal ad for her in the paper (without Erin's consent). Initially appalled by the idea, Erin's life starts to change when she decides to meet the guys who answer the ad."Next Stop Wonderland" gets away from stupid Hollywood clichés, and is romantic without being corny. Anderson's and Lyn Vaus's witty script has some amazing dialogue, and Hope Davis brings the right emotional depth/low-key humor to her character. This movie is similar to the recent "Broken English" (starring another indie goddess, Parker Posey), only better. Honduran actor José Zuniga plays a Brazilian guy (hopeless romantic or prick?), speaking a very mannered Portuguese (more like some kind of "portuñol", a mixture of Portuguese and Spanish) that doesn't beguile the most naïve Portuguese speaker - which is very annoying for native Brazilians, specially considering that there are so many talented Brazilian actors out there that would've fitted the part. Of course I'm not saying foreign people can't play someone of a different nationality, but when the actor can't pull a decent accent, that's a problem. Anyway, that's a minor flaw, and "Next Stop Wonderland" is definitely an adorable flick. The soundtrack, full of classic Brazilian bossas (a rarity in American movies) is a plus, and the perfect complement to the movie's bittersweet atmosphere. 8.5/10 in my books.

This film may not win over everyone with its subtlety and relaxed pace, but it is one of the most genuine depictions of love and dating in this day and age. Hope Davis gives a wonderful performance as a jaded young woman, tired of meeting too many Mr. Wrong's, yet still maintaining some hope that the right one is out there. Her performance is nuanced and very believable. Alan Gelfant is wonderful as her other half, so to speak, someone also searching for his path in life, and someone who understands him. He is amazing in this role and makes you fall completely for him. Just watch for his smile, which will make you melt. Great film for someone who wants to remind themselves that there might just be "the one" out there waiting to find you. The soundtrack is excellent, providing the film with a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. Enjoy!

This movie really makes you think... It's one of those times when you are watching TV, and you just keep changing the channel, and then you see a scene that makes you watch a little bit longer, and then a little bit longer more, until you end up watching the entire movie. If you expect a overly romantic film, this is not for you, I believe this movie was made to observe life and it's mysterious ways to get you to fall in love, You make (what it seems) a silly choice and it affects you in everyway possible, but the best thing it's that you don't know it, and in the end everything is going to be all right. It also portrays very well that life doesn't start when you fall in love, but it gets better.

I was surprised by my own reaction to this movie. I felt the loneliness and anxiety that the characters demonstrate. The movie really catch me and became one of my favorites. The wait for the meeting between a nurse and a plumber gave us several moments of pure joy by the intelligence in those takes. As a Brazilian person I have to say that the soundtrack is delicious. We have here some sweet pieces of Bossa nova that harmonically fit in to the story and give us unforgettable moments in the movie. And what about that friendly baloonfish? Its already a character apart. I certainly recommend this movie to the ones who demand a reflective story about human anxieties admirably conduced by sensitive and intelligent Brad Anderson. Thanks, Brad, for the experience.