Comedy,Drama
United States of America
King of California is a 2007 comedy-drama film directed by Mike Cahill. The movie stars Michael Douglas as Charlie, a middle-aged man who has just been released from a mental institution after a long stay. He moves in with his teenage daughter Miranda (Evan Rachel Wood) who has been living alone in their family home since he was institutionalized.
As Charlie tries to get his life back on track, he becomes obsessed with a tale he heard in the institution about treasure buried beneath a Costco store. He convinces Miranda to quit her job at a local McDonald's and work at the Costco so they can gain access to the store after hours. Miranda is initially resistant to her father's plan, but eventually agrees to help him in his quest.
Together, they embark on a treasure hunt that takes them through the maze-like corridors of Costco's giant warehouse. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles including security guards, a treacherous metal conveyor belt, and a flooded basement. They also have to contend with Charlie's increasingly erratic behavior as he becomes more and more consumed by his obsession.
Throughout the movie, the strained relationship between father and daughter is explored. Miranda resents Charlie for leaving her behind when he was institutionalized, while Charlie feels guilty for abandoning his daughter. As they work together to find the treasure, they begin to reconcile and understand each other better.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, but Douglas' performance was widely praised. It was also noted for its unique blend of comedy and drama, as well as the portrayal of the eccentric characters. Despite its flaws, King of California is a charming, quirky movie that will appeal to fans of offbeat, indie films.
