Year: 2021
Director and Writer: Jan Miller Corran
Starring: Constance Brenneman, Cathy DeBuono, Isabella Hofman, Monica Young, Rich Ceraulo Ko, Adam Huss, Roberta Hanlen, Carly Frintner, Kyla Harris, Monica Young
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes
Rating: Not yet rated
Country: United States
Language: English
You Can Try to Live-up to Other's Expectations or Live-up to Your Own
Jan Miller Corran's directorial debut 'Along Came Wanda' takes you on the journey of Mary Beth (Contance Brenneman)
following the break-up of her decades long marriage to Bill (Max Adler), that gave her her only son, Kevin (Hank Matusek),
as she sets out on a journey with her new friend Wanda, (Cathy DeBuono) in her RV.
We are giving a glimpse into an intimate part of Mary's life, when she is reminded of a past love.
Wanda encourages Mary Beth to return to her passion of photography and to enter a photography contest while out on the road. The relationship between Mary Beth and Wanda is front and center as their friendship grows and they become closer during their road trip. W
Filmed during COVID-19 pandemic, art imitates life with the challenges of COVID-19 on marriages and relationships in general a crucial part of the film that has the characters talking about the pandemic, wearing masks and social distant.
There are a few scenes that stuck with me. One is Mary Beth talking to Wanda and telling her, "I grew up in a small midwestern town that come with expectations for their daughters, including grandchildren. It stayed with me because it goes to the heart of Mary Beth's struggles and the need to find herself.
The second is when Davina Moonbeam (Roberta Hanlen), a well-known psychic said to Wanda, "Just be. Set in the nowness." ("Just Be" is the film's theme song " composed by Monica Young and Richie Sullivan and sung by Monica Young). Reminder of the importance of being and enjoying the moment and letting things happen naturally instead of forcing a desired outcome.
Mary Beth breaking the fourth wall and speaking directly to her viewers helps evoke a level of compassion for her and her plight, stands out as well.
Filming in Los Angeles was a good choice. The City has as variety of landscapes that captures the natural features of California.
Kanoa Wolfe-Doblin score works well with the scenes providing the right mood to help tell their story.
A journey of friendship, fun and discovery, 'Along Came Wanda' is a film to watch.
Distributor: buffalo 8 A Bondit Company
Producers: Jan Miller Corran, LeeAnee Matusek
Production Co.: Three women in a box films
Run time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Starring: Contance Brenneman, Cathy DeBuono, Max Adler, Isabella Hofman, Monica Young, Rich Ceraulo Ko, Adam Huss, Roberta Hanlen, Hank Matusek,
Carly Frintner, Kyla Harris, Monica Young
Director and Writer: Jan Miller Corran
Cinematography: Cameron Schmucker
Editor: Josh Rifkin
Music: Kanoa Wolfe-Doblin