# Next Stop Wonderland (1998)

### reviewed by
Nick Amado

    Review: Next Stop Wonderland

Starring: Hope Davis, Alan Gelfant, Victor Arag, Jon Benjamin

    Directed by Brad Anderson

There are some truly funny lines in Next Stop Wonderland that are caught up in a battle with forced, trendy screenwriting. It is hard to tell which comes out on top, and it only manages to provide some likable characters in an all-too-familiar situation. Erin (Davis) is a young woman who is shattered when her goofy, activist boyfriend leaves her because she doesn't support him. She then goes on a quest to meet Mr. Right by way of her mother placing a personal add against her will. Erin reluctantly ventures out into the singles world, makes headway, and eventually starts making sport of the situation.

The film bounces back and forth between two characters who never meet. Alan, a plumber who is working his way through school to become a marine biologist, is also not burning up the dating scene. The film is utterly predictable. We know all along that these two lonley souls are meant for each other, though they seem unable to meet. Sadly, most of Alan's screentime is dedicated to the film's subplot of political muscle, trying to destroy the local aquarium for its prime real estate. It involves the plans for a mausoleum and killing a balloonfish. Pretty silly.

The film reminds me quite a bit of Sliding Doors in a number of ways. Primarily, it deals with fate, Who are we supposed to spend the rest of our lives with? and, How will we meet this person? There is also some artsy but jarring camerawork and editing, but it dies down about a half hour into the film. Strangely, that is when the dialogue perks up.

Next Stop Wonderland is not a very intriguing film, though it has a step up on the more unique Sliding Doors in that the characters are more likable. Hope Davis is really a joy to watch. She has a very accessable beauty that makes the audience care about her, even if she is not being particularly charming each moment. There are some truly funny lines, but they are few and far between. Its a story of two people looking for romance in the wrong places. It has been my contention that Hollywood has done a poor job with romantic comedies in recent years, with, of course, a few exceptions. The indie film world has done only slightly better, but neither side has managed to produce a gem. Next Stop Wonderland falls short of the mark too.

    * * 1/2 out of * * * * stars
    © 1998 Nick Amado
    email me at
    namado@concentric.net

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