King of California Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Mental patient drags his daughter on a wild goose chase for Costco gold, proving that sometimes, the real treasure is the shared delusion.

🍿 King of California: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Miranda’s Solitary Life

Miranda (Evan Rachel Wood), a resourceful 16-year-old, has been fending for herself after her mother’s abandonment and her father Charlie’s (Michael Douglas) institutionalization due to mental health issues. She works at McDonald’s, pays the bills, and has created a semblance of stability in their suburban California home. Her life is disrupted when Charlie is released from the mental institution.

Charlie’s Obsession: The Buried Treasure

Charlie returns with a fervent belief that a long-lost Spanish treasure, hidden by Father Juan Florismarte Garces in the 17th century, is buried nearby. He spends his time researching old maps and historical documents, convinced the treasure lies beneath their suburban landscape. He tries to get Miranda to believe him and join his quest.

The Quest Begins: Searching for Clues

Charlie’s eccentric behavior clashes with Miranda’s pragmatism, but she gradually agrees to humor him. Together, they embark on a treasure hunt using metal detectors and old maps. They start searching local golf courses, parks, and open fields, following what Charlie believes are the clues left behind by the Spanish priest. Their search leads them to a Costco.

Beneath the Costco: The Final Dig

Charlie becomes convinced that the treasure is buried beneath the local Costco warehouse. Miranda gets a job there to help them plan their infiltration. They devise a plan to break in after hours and dig beneath the floor, following underground water flows they believe connect to the buried gold. They enlist the help of a former acquaintance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Charlie (Michael Douglas): A recently released mental patient who is convinced that a Spanish treasure is buried beneath a local Costco.
• Miranda (Evan Rachel Wood): Charlie’s resourceful and independent teenage daughter who supports herself and reluctantly joins her father’s treasure hunt.
• Pepper (Willis Burks II): An ex-con friend who helps Charlie and Miranda in their quest for the buried treasure.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Teacher: “Who are all the little people Miranda?” – Inquiring about Miranda’s diorama depicting the Chumash Indians who died of Syphilis and Influenza.
• Miranda – Age 9: “Those are the bodies of the Chumash Indians, who died of Syphilis and Influenza, infected by the missionaries.” – Miranda’s blunt response to the teacher about her diorama.
• Charlie: “Look at the world.” – Charlie’s response to Miranda accusing him of taking nothing seriously and viewing the world only for his amusement

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $268,461
• Worldwide Gross: $1,045,786

💥 King of California Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored King of California. It’s one of those hidden gems that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Michael Douglas is fantastic as Charlie, a lovable eccentric who believes in buried treasure. Seeing him and Evan Rachel Wood interact as father and daughter was heartwarming, especially that scene in Costco. The ending did make me tear up a bit, it’s a movie that will stick with you!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy quirky comedies”
  • “People interested in family dramas with eccentric characters”
  • “Michael Douglas and Evan Rachel Wood fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief language”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Mental health issues”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Douglas delivers a wonderfully quirky performance as the unstable Charlie, while Wood perfectly captures the exasperation and underlying love of his daughter. The film’s slow pace might not appeal to everyone, but the strong performances and unique premise make it worth watching. King of California is charming and quirky, and its slow pace is its asset.
• RogerEbert.com: “King of California thrives on its oddball humor and the believable relationship between Charlie and Miranda. Douglas and Wood are phenomenal and the slow movie development turns into a satisfying treasure hunt. The movie has a unique plot which makes it very likeable.
• The New York Times: “It’s the actors who make the film work, and it’s very interesting that the lead stars of King of California do a very good job. Douglas never goes over the top, never becomes cartoonish, never begs for our love. And Wood, in a role that could have been gratingly precocious, somehow holds the screen with a quiet, stoical authority.

Audience Reactions

Michael Douglas’s quirky and lovable performance makes the movie special.: Viewers consistently praise the chemistry between Michael Douglas and Evan Rachel Wood.

The film’s heart warming and hopeful message about family resonated with many.: Many find the movie to be an underrated gem that deserves more recognition.

Overall Consensus: King of California is a heartwarming and quirky indie film, elevated by strong performances from Michael Douglas and Evan Rachel Wood. Its unconventional story and characters resonate with viewers, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “They actually did film in a Costco, on a working schedule between the hours of 9:00 pm and 9:00 am.”
• “Members of the crew were trying clothes on and looking through the other products so Costco kept a cash register open all night long so that anyone could purchase things.”

🖥️ How to Watch King of California?

King of California is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for availability on cable VOD services. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can be purchased online through retailers like Amazon or at used media stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed King of California, you might like these similar films:

• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Similar quirky family dynamics and a road trip with a goal, focusing on character relationships.
• Captain Fantastic (2016): Explores unconventional parenting and family values, challenging societal norms.
• Wonder Boys (2000): Features Michael Douglas in another memorable role as a flawed but endearing character.
• National Treasure (2004): The movie features a treasure hunt involving historical clues, but with a lighthearted tone and focus on family relationships.

🛒 King of California Related Products

• King of California [Blu-ray]: Experience the heartwarming story of ‘King of California’ in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition. A must-have for collectors and fans of Michael Douglas and Evan Rachel Wood.
• Metal Detector for Adults Kids – High Accuracy Professional Metal Detector: This high-accuracy metal detector is suitable for both adults and children, inspiring family treasure hunts just like in the movie ‘King of California.’ Great for outdoor adventures and discovering hidden gems.
• Treasure Hunter’s Journal: Inspired by Charlie’s treasure hunting journal in ‘King of California,’ this journal allows fans to document their own adventures and discoveries. It features antique-style paper and a durable leather cover.
• California History Explorer Kit: Explore the rich history of California with this educational kit. Inspired by the historical elements of ‘King of California,’ this kit includes replica artifacts, maps, and information about Spanish explorers and native cultures.

🎧 Soundtrack

King of California features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Miles Past” – performed by Bob Taylor
• “California Dreamin'” – performed by The Mamas & the Papas
• “Classical Gas” – performed by Mason Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Does “Die With A Smile” by Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga Sound Familiar? 🤔🎈#music #brunomars

Did you know ‘Die With A Smile’ might accidentally share a melody with the ‘UP’ movie theme? This video breaks down the surprising musical similarities – it’s actually kinda wild how alike they are!

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