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King of California Review

Release Date: Sep 14, 2007
Rated: some strong language, mature thematic elements and brief drug references
Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min.
Genres: Art House/Foreign, Drama
Cast:Michael Douglas, Evan Rachel Wood, Laura Kachergus, Paul Lieber, Kathleen Wilhoite. Full cast + crew

Movies.com Critics

3.0

Dave White Profile <h3>Dave White</h3> <p><strong>Your Movies.com Man at the Multiplex</strong></p> <br /> <p>Dave White's first movie review was of the animated feature Snoopy Come Home. He was seven years old...<a href="http://www.movies.com/movie-reviews/dave-white">Read full profile</a></p>

… a whimsical Don Quixote-esque heist caper? Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

4.0

63

out of 100

Metascore^®
Generally favorable reviews
based on a weighted average of all
critic review scores.
63

out of 100

ReelViews James Berardinelli
The movie develops in two pieces - one dealing with the quest for the hidden riches and once concentrating on the relationship between father and daughter. The latter works; the former doesn't.

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75

out of 100

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert
When you stand back a step from the movie, you admire Douglas and Wood for starting with potentially unplayable characters, and playing them so well we actually care about a quest that, in a way, seems more designed for Abbott and Costello.

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83

out of 100

Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum
It's as if the star (Douglas) finally gets to integrate all his onscreen personas, all at once.

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See all King of California reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 14+

Quirky dramedy mixes humor and mature themes.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this indie drama features mature themes about mental illness and parent-child relationships. The main character is a manic depressive who has just been released from a mental institution, and his 16-year-old daughter has quit school and works double shifts to support herself and her dad. There are a few curse words (including a couple of "f--k"s), a little smoking and drinking, one brief kiss, and a disturbing image of a suicide attempt.

Families can talk about why Miranda supports her dad's quest. Should she have tried to stop him? Is theirs a typical parent-child relationship? What other movies and TV shows can you think of that have featured similar situations?Families can also discuss product placement. Costco and McDonald's are prominently featured in the film. Did that add to or detract from the story for you? Why?

The good stuff

Messages: While breaking and entering is an unconventional -- not to mention illegal -- form of bonding between fathers and daughters, the theme of the film is to love and trust your parents, no matter how crazy they might seem.

What to watch for

Violence: A disturbing flashback shows Charlie trying to hang himself on a chandelier.
Sex: Charlie flirts with a female police officer, who is later shown leaving his house early in the morning. He kisses her and smacks her on the rear end. Miranda attends a "swingers" party, but no swinging is shown.
Language: A couple of "f--k"s, plus "s--t" and "a--hole."
Consumerism: Costco is prominently featured, as is McDonald's; eBay and Volvo also appear.
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Charlie and Pepper smoke cigarettes; Charlie drinks alcohol alone; Miranda is told she's drinking a "virgin" cocktail at a party, but she later feels dizzy and throws up.

Common Sense Media

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 3.061

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by curtisa

Read all King of California reviews at Fandango