Along Came Wanda (2021) User Reviews

Did they see the same movie I saw?

[Red-125 · 6/10 · 12 October 2021]

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.

Best Journey Ever

[macgaines · 6/10 · 15 October 2021]

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.

Delightful rom com

[debkingman-13778 · 7/10 · 16 December 2021]

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.

just average

[deepudp · 4/10 · 23 March 2022]

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.

Worse than Lifetime Television

[Handheldmirror · 1/10 · 21 February 2022]

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.

Loved this film!

[kate-johnston54 · 9/10 · 15 February 2022]

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!

Should have kept going

[kymtymnus · 3/10 · 19 November 2023]

This film was not good. The acting was bad. It felt like a student film from a C or less student. The film revolves around a woman named Mary Beth who has been married for 20 years and is soon to be divorced. Apparently, her husband also thinks that the marriage has run its course. She has a 17 year old son. This all happens during the COVID-19 pandemic during which time she makes the acquaintance of a female package delivery driver, a lesbian named Wanda, because she is buying many items online during the pandemic, especially toilet paper. Mary Beth has warm thoughts about a one month, one time, lesbian fling she had in London, photographing a beautiful model when she was 20. Her thoughts were stirred because the women unexpectedly sends her a teapot after all these years. Wanda who is attracted to Mary Beth and knows nothing about Mary Beth's previous fling invites her on a road trip in her RV to help her friend, Mary Beth start the next chapter of her life. She knows the Marth Beth used to do photography so she encourages her to bring her camera. Wanda's actions toward Mary Beth are awkward and needy and she is definitely crushing on Mary Beth. The acting is BAD. As a viewer you're thinking that the road trip is basically unplanned but Wanda first takes Mary Beth to a spiritual center and then to a campground by the home of a psychic friend. Some hot chic at the spiritual center gets flirty with Mary Beth and you see that it could have gone somewhere given more time. Their ending up in a hot tub was a good start. It's like dumb Wanda is serving up Mary Beth because she wants her friend to find happiness. That's a dumb courting strategy! Next they go to a campground and Wanda introduces Mary Beth to Wand's longtime psychic friend. The psychic gives Mary Beth a generic, lame reading but Mary Beth feels like the psychic gets her. Wanda is pleased because she loves Mary Beth and wants her to be optimistic about the future. Finally they cut the trip short and return to Mary Beth's home where apparently dutiful Wanda then becomes Mary Beth's girlfriend. Cue the kiss. Lame.

Loved it!

[johnrob-43921 · 10/10 · 16 February 2022]

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!

I love soup

[shanwent · 10/10 · 16 February 2022]

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.

So Much More

[barbieboom · 10/10 · 10 March 2022]

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.

My "feel good" movie this year!

[dianan-15427 · 10/10 · 15 February 2022]

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.

A reminder to LIVE life & FEEL & follow your heart & soul

[teamsaccurato · 10/10 · 16 February 2022]

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.

it's all about WANDA

[spe-71001 · 10/10 · 16 February 2022]

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) ;)

Along Came Wanda

[sosezsooz · 10/10 · 15 February 2022]

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.

DeBuono is Perfect

[adabean · 10/10 · 20 March 2022]

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.

Add to my top 10

[deewilson-82139 · 10/10 · 1 April 2022]

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.

Just the ROM om I needed

[bevking-10785 · 9/10 · 15 February 2022]

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.

So Much More than a RomCom

[bingbar-14554 · 10/10 · 3 March 2022]

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.

Great light hearted movie

[markmariap · 10/10 · 16 February 2022]

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.

Love This Movie

[polly-54321 · 9/10 · 15 February 2022]

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.

Funny and Poignant

[nancygrace-56577 · 9/10 · 1 October 2021]

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.

Surprise!

[falconfly · 8/10 · 18 October 2021]

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.

Feel Good Story We All Need

[linpolske · 10/10 · 18 June 2022]

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.

Actual Gay Actors in a good Gay film

[kinkylady · 10/10 · 31 March 2022]

So nice to see a gay writer/director using two gay actors and many gay crew to make this fantastic road trip movie. The story is not a new one, but it is presented with a lot of laughter, a lot of thought about becoming who you want to be, and joy. The last few minutes are a wonderful surprise.

Best So Far

[jennielord-23340 · 10/10 · 11 March 2022]

Since all of us can use a hopeful and laugh filled road trip, I recommend this terrific movie. I loved all of it. Even the guys were great in this lesbian romp. Who doesn't love Cathy DeBuono? Watch until the end so you can hear all of the theme song. I can't stop singing it. Love this movie.