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King of California Review

Movies.com Critics

3.0

Dave White Profile

… 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.

  • 60

    out of 100

    The New York Times Stephen Holden

    King of California may look and feel realistic, but it is really a Don Quixote-like fable about nonconformity and pursuing your impossible dream to the very end.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Variety

    Douglas is a manic joy, and Wood manages to hang on for the ride.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Carina Chocano

    The strange, funny and sad story of a bipolar jazz musician and his long-suffering teenage daughter, reunited after his two-year stay in a mental institution.

    Read Full Review

  • 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.

    Read Full Review

  • 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.

    Read Full Review

  • 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
  • message true0

    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 false3

    Violence: A disturbing flashback shows Charlie trying to hang himself on a chandelier.

  • sex false3

    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 false3

    Language: A couple of "f--k"s, plus "s--t" and "a--hole."

  • consumerism false3

    Consumerism: Costco is prominently featured, as is McDonald's; eBay and Volvo also appear.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3

    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.

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

© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 3.061
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
4

King of California a Kingly Feast by treeheart
I really enjoyed this film. It was delicately played by all parties -- including the director, who could have easily turned it into a melodrama. For all its sadness, it was a very sweet film and well worth seeing.

5

a good story with intellectually and emotionally jarring twists by Kathi10025
likable quirky characters, interesting setting-but most importantly, love, courage and intelligence where we might not have thought we would find them!

4

Strtange but wonderful by mary30
I expected a comedy which this really wasn't and, about halfway into it, I debated leaving because I didn't know how much my 10 year old was liking it. But she was hooked and I realized I was too. It's very compelling and kind of touching and the performances are great.

4

by romaryks67

3

by schatze82

3

by severtsons

Read all King of California reviews at Fandango
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