Winking story of a mentally ill father on a quest for lost gold in southern California with his reluctant daughter isn't quite as cute as it thinks it is.
King of California (2007)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:66
Fresh:42
Rotten:24
Average Rating:6.2/10
Consensus: A quirky and often touching comedy about a mature teenager and her manic depressive father, King of California is a charming tale of familial relations and treasure hunting.
Theatrical Release:Sep 14, 2007 Limited
Synopsis: Michael Douglas gives a bravura performance in writer-director Mike Cahill's feature-length debut, KING OF CALIFORNIA. Douglas stars as Charlie, a troubled musician who has just been released from... Michael Douglas gives a bravura performance in writer-director Mike Cahill's feature-length debut, KING OF CALIFORNIA. Douglas stars as Charlie, a troubled musician who has just been released from a mental hospital. He returns home to live with his 16-year-old daughter, Miranda (Evan Rachel Wood), who is not exactly thrilled to have him back. Miranda has been forced to quit school and get a job in order to support herself and hold on to her beat-up old car and the family house, which is right in the middle of a new development--but she has refused to sell out. Instead, she works extra shifts at McDonald's and has no social life. But her father--still suffering from mental illness--insists that she join him on a wild adventure in search of supposedly long-buried treasure, and soon the two of them are combing through California, facing danger as Charlie leads them on a crazy quest that takes them through major chain stores and restaurants. Wood (THIRTEEN) is excellent as Miranda, walking that fine line between wanting to believe in her father and feeling he should be hospitalized again--but she never stops loving him, even against her better judgment. Bushy-haired and wild-eyed, Douglas shines every second he's onscreen, dreaming the impossible dream. The outstanding soundtrack features songs by John Coltrane, Seals and Crofts, Bud Powell, Fats Waller, Yma Sumac, and Billy Bragg and Wilco. [More]
Starring: Michael Douglas, Evan Rachel Wood
Starring: Michael Douglas, Evan Rachel Wood
Director: Mike Cahill
Director: Mike Cahill
Screenwriter: Mike Cahill
Producer: Michael London, Alexander Payne, Avi Lerner, Randall Emmett
Composer: David Robbins
Studio: First Look
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Reviews for King of California
King of California proves light on its feet but often less funny or wise than it purports to be, its air of self-satisfaction partially interfering with its genuine insights.
Owes a great deal to [Sideways], in terms of style and theme, but the plot and characters of Cahill's fable are fresh, and their capricious charms wholly their own.
Mike Cahill focuses on the magic worth finding between a father and daughter. That's why the film sticks with you. It's a gift.
As an adventure-obsessed father released from asylum, Michael Douglas renders a wonderfullly eccentric and manic performance in a feature that should serve as a companion piece to Wonder Boys, his previous high as actor.
Michael Douglas with his giant crazy man stare and beard to match is quite funny.
A sweet-natured exploration of a father and daughter seeking elusive harmony.
Latest News for King of California
September 13, 2007:
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September 09, 2007:
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 90% 90% | District 9 |
| 86% 86% | 500 Days of Summer |
| 63% 63% | Extract |
| 06% 06% | All About Steve |
| 78% 78% | It Might Get Loud |
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