Metacritic Movie Ratings
King of California Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 83

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum

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

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• 75

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger 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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• 70

  out of 100

  Variety

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

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• 70

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesCarina 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.

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• 60

  out of 100

  The New York TimesStephen 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.

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See all King of California movie reviews at Metacritic.com