Movie #56- "Wonderland" (2003)

What has happened to Val Kilmer?  Here's an actor that captured early commercial success with "Top Secret" and "Top Gun", made some inspired choices in the 1990s and 2000s ("Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is a favorite), then has picked some low profile films with a few bombs thrown in.  In looking at his film profile over the last couple years, there very few selections that I even recognize.  He's usually a treat to watch, even in his films that I didn't like ("The Doors").
"Wonderland" is the kind of independent movie that actors line-up to be cast in, because it gives them a chance to show range and play against type.  Dylan McDermott is a dirt-bag biker, Lisa Kudrow is the sad, put upon estranged wife, and Kate Bosworth is the drug addled teen with the wrong guy.  At its center is Val Kilmer as Johnny Holmes.  Yes, the Johnny Holmes of porn legend.  However, this concentrates on Holmes after his stardom has faded, and he's turned into drug addict in search of his next score.  The novelty of his profession is what keeps his friends around.
"Wonderland" is based on the true story of a grisly murder that took place in Los Angeles.  Holmes was a suspect in the crime.  This was a story I was unfamiliar with, and my wife steered me in the direction of the film.  The murders are told in two different versions, one being McDermott's point of view and the other, from Holmes.  You feel that neither man can be trusted and as an audience, we're left to decide which story contains the least amount of lies.  "Wonderland" is a film that lacks a hero.  The police aren't interested with the victims of the crime.  They only want to solve the murders because it may lead them to an L.A. club owner they've been chasing.
Again, another fabulous Kilmer performance in a small film.  I didn't know what to expect from "Wonderland", but was wowed by the results.  It's the gloomy side of "Boogie Nights".

Rating: 8/10
Movies I've previously seen: 4
First time viewings: 52