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Wonderful World is a 2009 drama film set in New Orleans, Louisiana. It follows the story of Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick), a failed children's folk singer who now works as a proofreader and lives a solitary life in his small apartment. He is dealing with depression, has no meaningful relationships, and has become disillusioned with life.

The film starts with Ben having a sleepless night and finding out that his Senegalese roommate, Ibou, has died in his sleep. Ben is resentful of Ibou, as he was noisy and didn't pay his rent on time. However, as he meets with Ibou's family, he learns more about his roommate's life and his zest for it. It makes Ben regretful about the way he has been living his life and wish he had more of Ibou's positive outlook.

His young daughter, Sandra (Jodelle Ferland), whom he has not seen for several years, appears out of nowhere and wants to stay with him as her mother is in rehab. Ben, struggling to come to terms with the loss of his roommate, is annoyed by the sudden responsibility of taking care of his daughter. However, he cannot turn her away, and Sandra moves in with him.

As Ben spends more time with Sandra, he becomes more aware of the wrong choices he has made in his life. They both have different perspectives on life, with Sandra being optimistic and Ben being pessimistic. However, Sandra's enthusiasm and energy gradually start to make an impact on Ben. At the same time, he starts seeing Khadi (Sanaa Lathan), a beautiful woman from Senegal whom Ibou's family introduces him to.

While it is not easy for Ben to reconcile with his past and move on, Ibou's jovial spirit and Sandra's innocence act as catalysts for Ben's healing. However, tragedy strikes as Sandra falls sick, and Ben has to come to terms with his true feelings for her and his role in her life.

Wonderful World is a moving film that explores the themes of love, loss, grief, and redemption. The film's pacing is steady, and the performances of the actors add depth to the characters' emotions. Matthew Broderick gives a thoughtful performance as the isolated, bitter man struggling to find meaning in his life. His interaction with Jodelle Ferland, who portrays Sandra as a bright and cheerful child, is heartwarming and adds a lot to the movie.

Reiner Schone portrays the late Ibou, who is shown as the glue that held his community together. His character's spirit and vibrancy establish Ibou as a role model for Ben.

The plot moves organically, and the scenes do not feel contrived or forced. The movie's climax leaves the audience with a sense of closure, but it does not feel like a neat and tidy resolution to the story. It remains open-ended and leaves the audience to ponder the film's themes and the characters' futures.

The film's theme song, "Chelsea Bridge" by Billy Strayhorn, adds to the movie's melancholic mood and provides a fitting soundtrack to the drama. Additionally, the movie's setting in New Orleans is captured beautifully, and the city's unique culture and energy are integral to the film's story.

Wonderful World is a poignant film that is sure to leave a lasting effect on the audience. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is executed beautifully, with strong performances from the actors. The film's exploration of themes such as grief, redemption, and the power of optimism make it an important addition to the genre of drama films.

Wonderful World is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.