NEXT STOP WONDERLAND (1998) (***)
This film is a smart romantic comedy about looking for Mr. Right or Ms. Right. Erin Castleton (Hope Davis, AMERICAN SPLENDOR) is newly single. Her boyfriend Sean (Philip Seymour Hoffman, BOOGIE NIGHTS) has left her because she won’t participate in his leftist rallies. She’s a sad and cynical person, whose mother puts a personal add in the paper for her. Her personal ad dates contain some of the funnier moments of the film.
Running on a parallel story is Alan Monteiro (Alan Gelfant, MONKEYBONE), a plumber who volunteers at the aquarium and studies hard to become a marine biologist.
The film develops the characters through debates about love and relationships with friends. The two characters' lives weave in and out of each other with them just missing a meeting. The film is smart and observant about relationships and dating.
Davis’ dry approach is funny. I would have liked to see more of Erin and Alan together, but that’s not what the film is going for. It’s a romantic tale that deals with the idea that love can be just around the corner when you least expect it. It’s a charming indie film.