Erin's boyfriend leaves her after years together with nothing more than a video tape featuring the reasons why he has left. Finding herself single again, Erin is forced back into the market when her mother puts her in the classified ads. Meanwhile Alan is a plumber pursuing his dream of becoming a marine biologist. However volunteering at the local aquarium doesn't earn him any money which is a problem given the gambling depths that his father has amassed with loan shark Frank.A very slight film, this indie-romance will appeal to those who see the false sentiment of Hollywood romcoms as below them but yet also yearn for the sweet, fated romance that they normally contain. This compromise is well delivered in this film that will appeal to the same audience that seek this mix. The plot has the elements of the contrived hand of fate and it is amusing the way the two characters drift around one another. It doesn't have a great deal of substance to it and it will annoy some viewers because of how knowingly "kooky" it all it is. It is rarely hilarious but it is sweet and amusing throughout. The presence of Anderson as writer and director drew me to this film as I know him as a name from Homicide, The Shield and the brilliant The Wire. This film has little in common with these but is still worth a look for doing what it does do well.The cast help matters greatly by turning in "indie" performances while delivering the rather sentimental material. Davis is a fine example of what I mean as she is very much a "kooky" type while also having enough humanity about her to make her character interesting. Gelfant is very much a secondary character of the two but he does well enough considering he is supposed to representing Mr Right. The support cast compliments the overall feel of the film with turns from Argo, Hoffman, Buono, Zúñiga and The Wire's Gilliard Jr all in small roles.Overall then a kooky romance for those who want the silly emotion of the Hollywood romcoms without all their gloss and sweeping music. Slight and an acquired taste perhaps but amusing and sweet even if it is quite forgettable.

If Preston Sturges was alive today, this is the kind of film I imagine him making. It's that good! Next Stop Wonderland is witty and full of clever dialog. The story is hilarious, but captures more depth than the typical romantic comedy.There are surprises and twists, but I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone. It definitely makes you question destiny versus luck.The nice thing about the film is that it's not a chick flick either. It may be told from the point-of-view of the heroine, but she is not whiny, wimpy or trying to be cutesy in every scene.It kind of reminds me of Swingers, but told from a female's point of view. Hope Davis isn't desperate like the lead in that film though. She's quite content to be alone most of the time, but the world keeps thrusting her into comical situation that break her bubble of solitude.This film is a winner.

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!

Erin (Hope Davis) is recently single (her boyfriend moved out), a nurse and looking for Mr. Right. Alan (Alan Gelfant) works at the New England Aquarium, is a student and has no time for love. Naturally they're made for each other. We watch their separate lives all through the movie slowly intertwining them and drawing them to each other.This is a very small independent film, shot in Boston and picked up by Miramax. If you know Boston and the surrounding cities some of this is amusing. Erin lives in a huge apartment in Beacon Hill--there's no way a nurse could afford that. Also she meets all her dates a bar called the Burren which is located two towns away in Somerville! But they did get Wonderland right--that's a station on the Blue Line subway where Alan lives near.Those little goofs aside (actually they're pretty funny) this is a very nice, romantic film. A perfect date movie. It's got a very laid-back feeling that is absolutely charming. This is helped with a very soothing music score. But be warned--this movie is only for true romantics! If you look at it in a serious frame of mind you're gonna hate it. But if you're a romantic (like me) you'll love it! Davis gives a very nice low-key performance (but she could have lightened up a little); Gelfant is good also--and has beautiful eyes. Also well-directed by Brad Anderson. Not believable for a moment but boy--is it romantic! I recommend it. I give it an 8.