See more movie reviews

Wonderland (R, 2003)

common sense media says

Very sordid and unexpectedly dull; adults only.

parents & educators say
See 1 review | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie includes explicit sexual situations, graphic violence, drug abuse, and constant profanity. It is a veritable encyclopedia of material most parents would consider inappropriate for children and teenagers, though it is all presented as sordid and destructive.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Graphic violence, characters shot and bludgeoned, some murdered.
Sex: Explicit sexual references and situations, nudity, references to pornography.
Language: Constant profanity.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Frequent explicit drug use, including heroin and cocaine, smoking and drinking.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Wonderland

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the different ideas Sharon and John had about what they wanted. Why was Sharon willing to take care of John and Dawn? What was the point of view of the film-makers about what happened to Holmes?

What's the story?

What's the story?
WONDERLAND depicts the true story of porn star John Holmes and his involvement in a drug-related quadruple murder after his movie career was over. Before the movie starts, we are informed of the essentials: Holmes (Val Kilmer) was the first superstar of porn, making more than 1000 movies and sleeping with more than 14,000 women. But when we meet him, he is no longer making movies. Holmes and his young girlfriend Dawn (Kate Bosworth) have dim hopes of some kind of big score, but mostly live from moment to moment on what's left of Holmes' notoriety. He lives off of the declining good will of some hot-headed small-time bad guys who live on Wonderland Street and one big-time bad guy named Eddie Nash (Eric Bogosian). He comes up with the idea of double-crossing them both at the same time and making off with the loot, but it does not go the way he planned and many people are killed.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Heartfelt performances and tricked-up flashy film-making are not enough to distract us from the fact that we never find a reason to care about what happens. It is all very sordid and unexpectedly dull. Lisa Kudrow's appearance as Holmes' estranged wife is the only character with any depth or humanity.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Lionsgate
Director: James Cox
Cast: Carrie Fisher, Kate Bosworth, Val Kilmer
Genre: Drama
Run time: 105 minutes
Theatrical release: October 3, 2003
DVD release: February 9, 2004
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: strong violence/grisly images, pervasive drug use and language, some sexuality/nudity
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

Review It

 

Review Wonderland

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

Panya
adult
17
 
Interesting, but not great
I was interested in the story, but it was confusing if you didn't know some things about the topic beforehand. Definitely not for kids.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Wonderland?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines