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King of California

(2007, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Michael Douglas, Evan Rachel Wood, Willis Burks II)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Quirky dramedy mixes humor and mature themes.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    While breaking and entering is an unconventional -- not to mention illegal -- form of bonding between fathers and daughters, the theme of the film is to love and trust your parents, no matter how crazy they might seem.

  • Violence:

    A disturbing flashback shows Charlie trying to hang himself on a chandelier.

  • Sex:

    Charlie flirts with a female police officer, who is later shown leaving his house early in the morning. He kisses her and smacks her on the rear end. Miranda attends a "swingers" party, but no swinging is shown.

  • Language:

    A couple of "f--k"s, plus "s--t" and "a--hole."

  • Consumerism:

    Costco is prominently featured, as is McDonald's; eBay and Volvo also appear.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Charlie and Pepper smoke cigarettes; Charlie drinks alcohol alone; Miranda is told she's drinking a "virgin" cocktail at a party, but she later feels dizzy and throws up.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About King of California

Parents need to know that this indie drama features mature themes about mental illness and parent-child relationships. The main character is a manic depressive who has just been released from a mental institution, and his 16-year-old daughter has quit school and works double shifts to support herself and her dad. There are a few curse words (including a couple of "f--k"s), a little smoking and drinking, one brief kiss, and a disturbing image of a suicide attempt.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Miranda supports her dad's quest. Should she have tried to stop him? Is theirs a typical parent-child relationship? What other movies and TV shows can you think of that have featured similar situations? Families can also discuss product placement. Costco and McDonald's are prominently featured in the film. Did that add to or detract from the story for you? Why?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    msharpton
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

    I think this movie funny, but not appropriate for kids over 13

    Evan Rachel Wood and Michael Douglas do a great job in this film. It would be a great movie if they would have left out the (f) word. It only has it 1 or 2 times, but that is 1 or 2 times too many for me.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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