Broderick provides a solid center for 'Wonderful World'

Having worked eight years as a proofreader, Ben Singer, a once-popular folk singer, consoles himself by claiming that "at least I don't delude myself with hopes and dreams."

In writer-director Joshua Goldin's debut movie, "Wonderful World," Ben is Matthew Broderick, delivering one of his more nuanced and enjoyable performances. The movie itself is a little too tidy, a little too determined to convey a lesson, but the character sticks with you.

Ben's tragedy, as a fan puts it, is "to be so great at something no one cares about." His marriage has gone sour, his ex-wife is dating and Ben makes discouraging noises to his 11-year-old daughter, Sandra (Jodelle Ferland), who fights back with desperate ramblings about reincarnation and same-sex attraction.

"I think I'm a lesbian," she announces. "You're programmed from birth." Ben, who wonders why reincarnated people tend to come back as celebrities rather than museum guards or amoebas, eventually drives her away with his pessimistic speculations.

Their conversations continue on that loopy level until Ben's Senegalese roommate, Ibou (Michael K. Williams), goes into a diabetic coma. An absurd fight over a parking space escalates to a courtroom challenge and the opportunity for Ben to blast materialism in a showy speech.

Goldin hits shaky ground here, especially with the introduction of a sarcastic judge who's straight out of a 1930s screwball comedy. Equally difficult to buy is Ben's fantasy companion, "The Man" (Philip Baker Hall), who delivers cynical advice when Ben is smoking pot.

The introduction of Ibou's sister, Khadi (Sanaa Lathan), takes the story in more interesting directions. Her bittersweet relationship with Ben is awfully reminiscent of the plot of the Richard Jenkins movie "The Visitor," but it's a welcome addition.

Best of all, there's Broderick at the center: ranting on about such 20th-century inventions as TV remotes and positive thinking; delivering pizza to a former boss (who doesn't recognize him); responding to his ex-wife's unpredictable behavior; and tentatively playing to an audience of kids who know nothing of Ben's history.

John Hartl:johnhartl@yahoo.com