Watch Mr. Wonderful

Mr. Wonderful is a romantic comedy film released in 1993, directed by Academy Award-winning director, Anthony Minghella. This movie stars Matt Dillon as Gus, Annabella Sciorra as Leonora, and Mary-Louise Parker as Rita. Set in New York City, the movie follows the life of Gus, a divorced electrician, who is ordered to pay alimony to his ex-wife. Despite struggling to make ends meet, he is determined to find a new love in his life before his ex-wife takes all his money.

The opening scene of the movie shows Gus struggling with his financial situation. He is already behind on his current monthly payments to his ex-wife, and with his daughter's tuition fees coming up, he is under a lot of pressure. His ex-wife is unwilling to negotiate, and he is worried that she will take away everything he has. In a bid to find a solution, Gus approaches his friend and colleague, Tom (William Hurt), who suggests that he invest in a rundown bowling alley. Tom believes that the bowling alley has potential and that Gus could run it with profit.

Meanwhile, Gus and Leonora, who is also divorced, cross paths at a party. They hit it off immediately, but Leonora reveals that she is leaving New York in a month's time to take up a job in Seattle. Nevertheless, they both agree to spend time together before she leaves the city. Despite his attraction to Leonora, Gus realizes that he cannot afford to sustain a relationship with her if he has to keep paying alimony to his ex-wife. He decides to take a chance and invest in the bowling alley in the hopes of making some quick cash to pay off his debts.

The rest of the movie follows Gus' journey in managing the bowling alley with his friends while trying to win Leonora's heart before she leaves town. Tom, who initially supported Gus, starts to doubt the bowling alley's potential and attempts to sabotage Gus' efforts. Along the way, Gus also has to contend with his ex-wife's lawyer, who is trying to make it almost impossible for him to manage his finances effectively.

The movie's central message is about the struggle to maintain love and financial security simultaneously. Gus and Leonora's storylines are both examples of people trying to find the right balance between their financial obligations and personal lives. Gus' financial troubles make him hesitant to pursue any romantic connection fully, while Leonora's impending move to Seattle causes apprehension for Gus. The movie's themes are relatable to many people who have gone through financial struggles or relationship woes.

Matt Dillon's performance as Gus is commendable. He brings life to his character, showcasing his vulnerability, humor, and determination in a believable way. He is supported by some excellent performances from Annabella Sciorra and Mary-Louise Parker, who both played their respective characters with equal amounts of charm and depth.

The movie's directing is exceptional too. Anthony Minghella manages to make the story feel fresh and fun, despite the cliched plot. The bowling alley scenes are shot interestingly, with the camera moving around the bowlers, giving the audience insight into Gus' world. The director also managed to infuse humor into some of the most challenging points in the story, keeping the movie light-hearted.

In conclusion, Mr. Wonderful is an enjoyable romantic comedy that balances its central themes of love and finance. The movie is well acted, directed, and written, making it worth a watch for anyone looking for some lighthearted entertainment.

Mr. Wonderful is a 1993 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.