Wonderland (2003)

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 (Kilmer), and the other told by David Lind (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 (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.