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Wonderland (2003) 6.5
Ratings:
6.5/10 from 15,611 users
Metascore: 43/100
Reviews: 148 user | 88 critic | 36 from Metacritic.com In the police investigation of a brutal crime scene, one man was at the center of it all: legendary porn star John Holmes. Director:James Cox |
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Title: Wonderland (2003)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Kate Bosworth | ... | ||
| Carrie Fisher | ... |
Sally Hansen
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| Val Kilmer | ... | ||
 |
Kim Marriner | ... |
Reporter
(as Kim Mariner)
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| Dylan McDermott | ... | ||
| Michael Pitt | ... |
Gopher
(scenes deleted)
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| Alexis Dziena | ... |
Gopher's Girlfriend
(scenes deleted)
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Karen LaKritz | ... |
Bartender
(as Karen Lakritz)
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Steve Cox | ... |
Guy at Bar
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| Josh Lucas | ... | ||
| Louis Lombardi | ... |
Slim Jim
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| Franky G | ... |
Louis
(as Franky G.)
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| Ted Levine | ... | ||
| Russell Sams | ... |
Cherokee
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Chris Cioffi | ... |
Letterman Meathead
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Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Storyline
John Holmes was a legend of the porn industry and revered in circles as a stud. But in 1981, years after his successful career and star fading, Holmes was a desperate man with his own internal demons to live up to. He's estranged from his wife, holding onto a relationship with his teenage mistress, and living as a junkie in search of his next fix. But one fateful night left four people dead and John as a key suspect in one of the most grisly murders in Los Angeles. Was he partly responsible for what happened at Wonderland Avenue? Written by monkeykingma
Taglines:
With A Score This Dirty, Nobody Gets Away Clean. See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for strong violence/grisly images, pervasive drug use and language, some sexuality/nudity | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
24 October 2003 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
The Wonderland Murders See more »Filming Locations:
L.A.P.D. Hollywood Station - 1358 Wilcox Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA See more »Box Office
Budget:
$5,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
£84,345 (UK) (7 May 2004)Gross:
£84,345 (UK) (7 May 2004)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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(1978)
Written by Billy Joel
Performed by Billy Joel
Published by Impulsive Music
Courtesy of Columbia Records
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Val Kilmer was allowed to grow out his hair during the filming of Mindhunters in order to secure his participation. See more »Goofs
The Chevrolet Caprice sedan that John Holmes was transported in to the hotel had the flush headlamps and the third brake light, making it a 1986 model. See more »Quotes
John Holmes: Okay Bill, I'm gonna tell you a story. It's a story called 'Wonderland'. Wonderland's the house everyone on the whole mountain hope's would burn down.See more »
Crazy Credits
"score recorded and mixed by Fredrik Sarhagen" is credited twice. See more »Soundtracks
"Big Shot"(1978)
Written by Billy Joel
Performed by Billy Joel
Published by Impulsive Music
Courtesy of Columbia Records
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing
See more »
Cox's 'Wonderland' is about the gruesome Wonderland murders (obviously!) that took place in the early 80s. The murder case itself was never solved and remained a mystery. Sadly, the movie does not do much to to cast light on it but there are hints indicated what most likely has happened. It is more of an interesting account rather than an actual story where one event is told from the perspective of different characters: Ex-porn king turned junkie John Holmes (Val Kilmer), his girlfriend Dawn Shiller (Kate Bosworth), his estranged wife Sharon (Lisa Kudrow) and David Lind (Dylan McDermott).
'Wonderland' is quite well shot, with the chaotic camera-work and slick editing, use of music and visuals and effective sound. It is very graphic and includes real photographs from the crime scene. It does manage to create the feel of the early 80s that ended the craziness of the 70s. Val Kilmer seems to be an odd choice to play John Holmes. There is no physical resemblance. As a stand alone he acts well but does not have any nuances of Holmes. His portrayal of Holmes is inaccurate to say the least. Kate Bosworth is quite alright. I didn't find the love story between the two that engaging. Dylan McDermott does not seem to be completely in character. In spite of having a small role, Lisa Kudrow delivers the best performance. It was very nuanced and natural. Josh Lucas does alright but at times he seems a little too loud. There are several more familiar faces.
Before watching the film, I had very limited knowledge of the notorious murders but after seeing the movie, I did more research and understood how gruesome and horrifying it was. 'Wonderland' tries to portray the event in an accurate way but those who are looking for a closed ending will be disappointed. As I stated earlier, it does give a hint as to what most likely happened.