King of California

King of California (2007)

  • 63% of critics liked it
    (68 reviews)

  • 64% of users liked it
    (15,616 ratings)

Michael Douglas stars as a treasure-hunting eccentric in this Alexander Payne-produced comedy from director Michael Cahill. Recently released from a mental institution and reunited with his teenage daughter, Miranda (Evan Rachel Wood), Charlie (Douglas) decides there's century's old gold buried near… More

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PG-13, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By
Mike Cahill
Written By
Mike Cahill
Genres
Drama, Art House & International, Comedy
In Theaters
Sep 28, 2007 Wide
On DVD
Jan 29, 2008
First Look

Critic Reviews

  • Peter Howell, Toronto Star

    The most remarkable thing about King of California is how the characters grow on you, and how their quixotic quest becomes ours.

  • Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

    King of California means to be the jewel in the crown of indie-flick quirkiness, but it's really just a bauble with ambition.

  • Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle

    Writer-director Mike Cahill explores Charlie's foolishness with funny-sad fondness.

  • Tom Long, Detroit News

    Rambunctious and rousing from beginning to end, the hugely entertaining King of California offers Michael Douglas his best role since Traffic.

  • Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press

    Intermittedly entertaining if mostly contrived.

Read all 20 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Jeff "


    King of California is a wonderful drama comedy. I very much enjoyed the film, and I thought that Michael Douglas delivered one of his greatest performances here. The cast is great and story though a bit silly, is enjoyable and entertaining. King of California is one of those indie… More

  • ♥˩ƳИИ &


    Cast: Michael Douglas, Evan Rachel Wood, Laura Kachergus, Will Rothhaar, Paul Lieber, Kathleen Wilhoite Director: Mike Cahill Summary: This quirky Sundance comedy from writer-director Mike Cahill chronicles the journey of a delusional father (Michael Douglas) who's… More

  • Mark W


    Nepotism is rife throughout Hollywood and as much as I despise it, I think I may have to finally admit that after all these years, Michael Douglas does have some talent of his own and isn't just a by-product of his father Kirk. Douglas' plays Charlie, a free-spirited… More

  • Anthony L


    A gem, lurking in the bargain bin of my local supermarket. Michael Douglas plays lawyer/Ruthless Businessman/jealous husband very well etc etc but it's his quirky little performances like this and the one in Wonderboys that I love him for. I liked the story, I liked the pace,… More

  • Dean M


    Writer-director Mike Cahill's debut feature is never really deciding if it's a comedy or drama. This is the second Michael Douglas film that he used to play his character with his real beard. He makes his performance as Charles work nicely, acting like a loony was released… More

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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