Watch Wonderland

Wonderland is a 2003 crime drama film based on the infamous Wonderland Murders that took place in Los Angeles in 1981. Directed by James Cox and starring Val Kilmer, Lisa Kudrow, and Kate Bosworth, the movie provides a gripping account of one of the most mysterious cases in Hollywood history. The story begins with John Holmes (played by Kilmer), a fading porn star who is struggling with drug addiction and financial troubles. He is also involved in the criminal underworld of Los Angeles and frequently visits the Wonderland Avenue house, a residence that is home to several infamous drug dealers.

After a robbery at the house goes wrong, resulting in the brutal murder of four people, the LAPD detectives begin their investigation. The film then shifts back and forth between multiple perspectives, including that of Holmes, the criminals involved, and the two detectives leading the case, Detective Sam Nico (Ted Levine) and Detective Louis Cruz (Franky G).

As the investigation unfolds, the detectives unravel a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal. Each character has their motives, and the film leaves it up to the audience to decide who is guilty and who is not.

Val Kilmer's portrayal of John Holmes is nothing short of fantastic. He captures the intensity and vulnerability of the character perfectly, highlighting his descent into drug addiction and the dark underbelly of the porn industry.

Lisa Kudrow plays Sharon Holmes, John's estranged wife, who is sick with HIV and trying to turn her life around. Despite her best efforts, she can't escape John's world, and her performance serves as a reminder of the often-unknown victims of this case.

Kate Bosworth portrays Dawn Schiller, a young woman who has a relationship with Holmes and is present during the murders. Her performance is raw and untethered, depicting the intense trauma that comes with surviving a violent crime.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with notable performances from Dylan McDermott, Tim Blake Nelson, and Josh Lucas. They all add to the depth of the story by revealing different perspectives and motivations.

The film's direction is stylish and slick, using multiple split-screen techniques that give the viewer a sense of the chaos and disorientation that the characters are feeling. The pacing of the film is excellent, cutting between different perspectives and revealing new information at just the right moment.

Wonderland is not afraid to explore the darker aspects of humanity. The film shows the ugly side of the criminal underworld, drug addiction, and the porn industry. It's a movie that's both gritty and unflinching, but the performances and the direction keep the story grounded and believable.

The film is not without its flaws, however. It can be difficult to keep track of all the characters and their motivations, and the shifting perspectives can be confusing at times. Additionally, the film falls into some typical crime drama tropes, which can make it feel formulaic in certain moments.

Overall, Wonderland is a gripping crime drama that offers a unique perspective on one of the most infamous cases in Hollywood history. The cast and direction are top-notch, and the story is both heartbreaking and fascinating. If you're a fan of crime dramas or just looking for a good movie to watch, Wonderland is definitely worth checking out.

Wonderland is a 2003 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 43.