Though it's based on a true story, "Wonderland" feels considerably less real than "Boogie Nights," the completely fictional film that was influenced by some of the same material.
Even comparing the two films is sort of a slap in the face to filmmaker P.T. Anderson, whose rather excessive 1996 drama looks like a model of restraint compared to this one.
In addition to not really looking the part (the film fails to convince us that this is the early '80s), "Wonderland" is both over-directed and over-acted. Worse, it keeps losing its direction . . . if it actually had one to begin with.
As such, "Wonderland" represents another low-rung on the downward descent of actor Val Kilmer, who stars as legendary porn star John Holmes, whose life took a tragic turn once his "film career" was over.
In fact, as the movie demonstrates, Holmes was one of several suspects in a series of drug-related murders that took place in the Hollywood hills.
Not too surprisingly, Holmes had ties with the victims, including Ron Launius (Josh Lucas), who just happened to be his drug supplier. He also had ties to the prime suspect — a businessman named Eddie Nash (Eric Bogosian), who was apparently revenge-minded.
Co-screenwriter/director James Cox tries to play all sorts of tricks with the film's narrative structure, repeating scenes from different character perspectives. But it's ineffective, as are his efforts to provide us with even one sympathetic character.
He also basically lets Kilmer run wild, which results in one of the most unwatchable performances of the actor's career.
His co-stars are similarly erratic. While Kate Bosworth appears to be stealing Natalie Portman's look (but none of her acting chops), Lisa Kudrow does add some dignity in a brief turn as Holmes' estranged wife — dignity this film doesn't deserve.
"Wonderland" is rated R for frequent use of strong sexual profanity and crude sexual slang terms, simulated drug use (cocaine, heroin, painkillers and marijuana), violence (beatings, gunplay and some violence against women), graphic gore, brief simulated sex, brief partial male nudity and use of racial epithets and ethnic slurs. Running time: 104 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com