Buy Wonderland on DVD

Wonderland (2003)

DVD More Info Region Code: 1 UPC: 031398211334	Usually ships in 5-10 days	$9.99
Blu-ray More Info Close Caption: No Region Code: 1 UPC: 031398125877	Usually ships in 5-10 days	$17.99 (10% off) List Price: ~~$19.99~~

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Synopsis

On the afternoon of July 1, 1981, Los Angeles police responded to a distress call at 8763 Wonderland Avenue in Laurel Canyon and discovered a grisly quadruple homicide. Drug dealers Ron Launius (Josh Lucas), Billy Deverell (Tim Blake Nelson), Barbara Richardson (Natasha Gregson Wagner), and the homeowner Joy Miller (Janeane Garofalo) were found brutally murdered, bludgeoned to death with lead or steel pipes, and Launius's wife, Susan (Christina Applegate), was left in critical condition. The police investigation that followed—led by detectives Sam Nico (Ted Levine), Louis Cruz (Franky G), and Mike Peters—would unearth a seedy world of drugs and violence, ultimately revealing a motley crew from L.A.'s underbelly including ex-con David Lind (Dylan McDermott), nightclub impresario Eddie Nash (Eric Bogosian), and porn legend John Holmes (Val Kilmer) as well as Holmes's estranged wife Sharon (Lisa Kudrow) and his teenage lover Dawn Schiller (Kate Bosworth).

Review

Wonderland is wonderful as a suspenseful thriller, as it slowly unfolds two possible versions of the quadruple homicide that took place in 1981 - one told by John Holmes (Val Kilmer), and the other told by David Lind (Dylan McDermott), one of the members of the drug runners who survived due to his fortunate absence from the scene at the time of the brutal slayings. The true brilliance of this film, however, is as a superbly crafted character piece that examines in detail the demise of its lead by dismantling (practically dismissing) the legend of the adult film "King", and revealing instead the vulnerable and highly flawed person that was John Holmes.

The acting in the film is nothing short of amazing, with Val Kilmer turning in a positively riveting portrayal as Holmes. His powerful performance puts a real face on the legend and, at quieter, more intimate times, subtly hints at the innocence with which his character was drawn into his situation. In another fantastic turn, Lisa Kudrow plays Holmes’ estranged wife, Sharon, and offers perspective for viewers on the life that could have been John’s had he made other choices. This contrasts starkly to the addicted life he leads with his girlfriend, Dawn (Kate Bosworth), and makes the path Holmes has taken that much more tragic and painful as it unfolds.

With its scintillating subject matter, adeptly handled and told by director James Cox, and remarkable performances, Wonderland is a fantastic thriller as well as an effectively subversive modern day tragedy.

-- Bill Parker

Product Format Information

DVD : $9.99

Availability: Usually ships in
5-10 days
Region Code: 1
UPC: 031398211334

Studio : Lions Gate Films

Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen
Extras: Deleted Scenes
Features:
Short film by James Cox
Audio commentary: with Val Kilmer and James Cox
LAPD Crime Scene video; Autopsy report; Photo gallery

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Blu-ray : $17.99

Availability: Usually ships in
5-10 days
Close Caption: No
Region Code: 1
UPC: 031398125877

Studio : Lions Gate Films

Languages: English (Primary)
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
Extras: Deleted Scenes
Features:
Crime Scene Footage
Audio commentary: With Director/Co–writer James Cox and Co–writer Captain Mauzner
Featurette: Hollywood at Large—Court TV