53 reviews
Along Came Wanda (2021) was written and directed by Jan Miller Corran. It stars Constance Brenneman as Mary Beth Higgins and Cathy DeBuono as Wanda.
A common plot of lesbian movies is a woman who leaves her husband and looks for a new life. That's the theme of this movie. Mary Beth has been married for 20 years, and the movie begins with her leaving her husband in search of something better. The something better arrives in the form of Wanda. Wanda is a free spirit who delivers packages, and runs a soup truck out of her RV.
She and Mary Beth set out in the RV for adventure. (Well, sort of.) Along the way they see beautiful California scenery and get to meet interesting new age spiritual guides and psychics. The rest is pretty predictable.
Brenneman and DeBuono are good actors, but the whole movie ended up with the theme "Just Be." Not too much adventure there. What astounds me is that the movie has a preposterous 8.9 IMDb rating. (Citizen Kane has an 8.3.) Granted, there are fewer than 100 raters. Even so, every rater gave the movie an 8, 9, or 10. How many friends and relatives does director Miller have? My suggestion--avoid this film and seek out Walk With Me--same theme, much better movie.
We saw this film virtually from ImageOut, the excellent Rochester LGBT Film Festival. For the record, I rated it 6.
A common plot of lesbian movies is a woman who leaves her husband and looks for a new life. That's the theme of this movie. Mary Beth has been married for 20 years, and the movie begins with her leaving her husband in search of something better. The something better arrives in the form of Wanda. Wanda is a free spirit who delivers packages, and runs a soup truck out of her RV.
She and Mary Beth set out in the RV for adventure. (Well, sort of.) Along the way they see beautiful California scenery and get to meet interesting new age spiritual guides and psychics. The rest is pretty predictable.
Brenneman and DeBuono are good actors, but the whole movie ended up with the theme "Just Be." Not too much adventure there. What astounds me is that the movie has a preposterous 8.9 IMDb rating. (Citizen Kane has an 8.3.) Granted, there are fewer than 100 raters. Even so, every rater gave the movie an 8, 9, or 10. How many friends and relatives does director Miller have? My suggestion--avoid this film and seek out Walk With Me--same theme, much better movie.
We saw this film virtually from ImageOut, the excellent Rochester LGBT Film Festival. For the record, I rated it 6.
I laughed more than I expected to because Cathy DeBuono is fabulous as quirky Wanda. I loved Constance Brenneman in The Toy Soldiers so was glad to see that she is a great actress all around. I fell in love with these two women just as Wanda was hoping that Mary Beth would fall in love with her. Did she? See the movie. You are in for many surprises along the way. Gorgeous ranch hand Adam Huss can come put me on a horse any time. Loved the yoga scene especially. I could go on and on. Applause to the writer and director for bringing us 90 minutes of pue fun, some tears, and a lot of love.
Many thanks to this terrific cast for delivering a funny, thoughtful and satisfying story. Wanda is a hoot. Mary Beth is a fragile beauty who gets stronger every step of the way. I loved the super sexy Laura. And Davina was awesome. I even loved the van. See it. You will be glad you did.
- debkingman-13778
- Dec 15, 2021
- Permalink
This is a bad film. Poor lighting, poor sound design, poor acting, poor storyline, poorly executed in every way. I didn't think it was possible but this film is worse than Lifetime Television.
- Handheldmirror
- Feb 20, 2022
- Permalink
Jan Miller Corran's charming film, Along Came Wanda, although a lesbian Rom Com, would appeal to anyone who yearns to break free from their conscripted life. It was superb on so any levels - well written and terrific acting, deep in moments, funny in others, with huge heart ,and great cinematography. I loved Mary Beth's exploration of philosophical questions about life, love , the journey toward self discovery. Highly recommend!
- kate-johnston54
- Feb 14, 2022
- Permalink
Okay whatever, i am giving four stars.
When the casting is wrong almost everything else goes wrong. In the first 10 minutes into the movie i knew, i would not watch it till the end.
When the casting is wrong almost everything else goes wrong. In the first 10 minutes into the movie i knew, i would not watch it till the end.
Found this gem by accident, gave it a watch, I have to say I loved it. Very well done technically as well as the story line and the acting. Took me on an emotional journey and was just a great movie. I am impressed!
- johnrob-43921
- Feb 15, 2022
- Permalink
Sweet. Funny. Unexpected. A great lesbian road trip romp. Cathy DeBuono and Constance Brenneman were delightful as was the rest of the cast. A compelling story with some clever twists.
This movie is a great reminder to LIVE life...not the one you someone directed you to exist in...but the one. Your heart & soul desire that fulfills you to all you deserve of this one life we are given. Soo many people are just existing in this place of "contentment" that they have been conditioned and have forgotten what life is truly all about and the gift we are blessed with every day, that all we have is now and each of us is on our own journey to experience all we desire and embrace each moment. Just as much as we need to embrace those whom we are blessed to share this journey with that come into our lives and all they have to give to us, teach us or show us...whether for a moment or a lifetime.
The authentic nature of each character portrayed truly brought you in to the film, especially that of Wanda, played by Cathy DeBuono.
The authentic nature of each character portrayed truly brought you in to the film, especially that of Wanda, played by Cathy DeBuono.
- teamsaccurato
- Feb 15, 2022
- Permalink
I watched this on Valentine's Day with my wife...my cynical, hard to please wife when it comes to lesbian movies, as she wants them to be more mainstream. Me? I just enjoy any kind of representation so I'll admit when something is poorly done, but still love the effort. This movie, however, is good. I loved it and my wife thought it was "cute", meaning she enjoyed it, too.
As a fan of Cathy DeBuono I thought it was the best I've ever seen her. Yes, she is very funny as Wanda, but, had some brief scenes showing the depth of her character'a "backstory" peaking through. I think that's something she's never been afforded in some of her past performances and maybe the sign of a good director, too?
It's no wonder she's won so many Best Actress awards at the film festivals for this role this past year. And, Constance Brenaman is perfect for her part, too. She plays off DeBuono, and others very well and you can see in her face that Wanda is just the breath of fresh air she needs and has needed for a long time.
All of the other characters and actors are great, too. I especially loved Davina, whose role in Wanda's life is much bigger than we're first led to believe. What a great character in this movie!
Overall, this movie just made me feel good. It's another good one like "Snapshots", which made me a Jan Miller Corran fan. (Which is another movie that I love!) See it. Funny, and poignant. 10/10.
As a fan of Cathy DeBuono I thought it was the best I've ever seen her. Yes, she is very funny as Wanda, but, had some brief scenes showing the depth of her character'a "backstory" peaking through. I think that's something she's never been afforded in some of her past performances and maybe the sign of a good director, too?
It's no wonder she's won so many Best Actress awards at the film festivals for this role this past year. And, Constance Brenaman is perfect for her part, too. She plays off DeBuono, and others very well and you can see in her face that Wanda is just the breath of fresh air she needs and has needed for a long time.
All of the other characters and actors are great, too. I especially loved Davina, whose role in Wanda's life is much bigger than we're first led to believe. What a great character in this movie!
Overall, this movie just made me feel good. It's another good one like "Snapshots", which made me a Jan Miller Corran fan. (Which is another movie that I love!) See it. Funny, and poignant. 10/10.
- dianan-15427
- Feb 14, 2022
- Permalink
What a beautiful, sensitive movie about life and the tribulations of transitioning from one time in one's life to another. I loved it and would heartily recommend it.
Nice light good feelin film during a pandemic. As I watched the film I thought, "it's all about WANDA"... Thanks to the filmakers and cast for putting your hearts in this and sharing your talents. Clap Clap (while standing) ;)
I wanted a piece of fluff and what I got was a fun and funny story but with so many deep thought provoking moments. Two mismatched women on a road trip that leads to love. My heart is full. Loved everyone in the cast. And I am still humming the theme song sung by one of the stars. All in all a wonderful movie.
- barbieboom
- Mar 9, 2022
- Permalink
I've always liked Cathy DeBuono. Her portrayal of Wanda in this gun and heartstrings pulling movie is her best yet. See it just to watch a cast with great comedy timing and memorable characters. Davina Moonbeam stood out for me. The men in the movie don't have big parts but they are all wonderful. Loved Adam Huss, Max Adler and Rich Ceraulo. Fun film. Watch it if you need to smile a lot.
One of the best romantic comedies I've seen in a long time. Cathy DeBuono delivers her best performance yet as Wanda. You will laugh a lot then cry a bit as she slowly finds love. Everyone in it was great. Fun story.
- deewilson-82139
- Mar 31, 2022
- Permalink
Very funny yet very thought provoking. Take the journey with Mary Beth and Wanda. They run into characters you won't soon forget. I loved Davina Moonbeam. She should have her own film. You will love it.
- bevking-10785
- Feb 14, 2022
- Permalink
Yes. I'm a guy watching a traditional chick flick and I love it. Cathy DeBuono has perfect comic timing. It's first time seeing her and I want more. Cathy and Constance (Wanda and Mary Beth) are such an unlikely couple which makes this love story even more appealing. Great comedy and much wisdom to sit with. I also thought Roberta Hanlen was magnificent as Davina. Hunky Adam Huss was a surprise. Loved it.
- bingbar-14554
- Mar 2, 2022
- Permalink
Loved this movie! It was a funny light hearted comedy.. Cathy DeBuono was great in her role... brought an air of comedy and carried the movie !! Just the kind of movie we need.. something you can just sit down and relax to.
- markmariap
- Feb 15, 2022
- Permalink
There is nothing better than a good romantic comedy and Along Came Wanda is fantastic. Cathy DeBuono is so funny as Wanda. Everyone needs a Wanda in their life. All of the actors were excellent. This is one film I know I will watch many times. Such a feel good film.
- polly-54321
- Feb 14, 2022
- Permalink
I'm so glad I found this inspiring and fun movie. Cathy DeBuono is outstanding as the almost child like woman in love with beautiful Constance Brenneman. It takes them a long time to realize that they just might belong together. Loved seeing Monica Young in it since I just saw her in Concerto for Abigail and was wowed. Roberta Hanlen is a standout as psychic Davina Moonbeam. She was a definite highlight of the movie. The locations were wonderful and I loved the music too. Cathy has a pretty good comedy flair also. If you want a story that will leave you with a good feeling then this is the one to watch.
- ashleymcgee-57600
- Nov 22, 2024
- Permalink
After hunting for a feel good lesbian comedy I clicked on Along Came Wanda. I'm glad I did. It's definitely not the best film I've ever seen, but the premise of going on a journey to figure out who you are kept my interest. Constance Brenneman is adorable. I can see why Wanda is smitten and hopes to turn the newly divorced friend into her lover. So many scenes are funny. My favorite is Wanda lurking around windows to catch a glimpse of a photo shoot. I really liked Laura who is played by gorgeous Monica Young. Honestly I hoped she and Mary Beth would hook up. I think Mary Beth comes close. Watch it if you want a sweet story and loads of chuckles.
- squeekyshoes-90700
- Oct 19, 2024
- Permalink
Cathy DeBuono and Constance Brenneman deliver a sweet yet complex story that is just what the world needs now. I love love love psychic Davina Moonbeam. Hats off to actress Roberta Hanlen. Jan Corran has written another great film. Don't miss it.
- nancygrace-56577
- Sep 30, 2021
- Permalink
It's a fun romantic comedy that keeps you guessing until the end. Will they or won't they? I'm still smiling. It felt good to laugh out loud. Cathy DeBuono delivers best performance I've ever seen her deliver. And I'd fall in love with Mary Beth too. She is beautiful. See it. It's wonderful.
There is nothing more uplifting than a road trip filled with love and heart. Along Came Wanda delivers just what we all could use. Acting was terrific and the characters are a hoot.