Review of Wonderland (2003) by Denver A — 21 Feb 2004

Sex, drugs, rock and roll, a few murders.

That's good enough for me.

Technically, not a great film. It was flashy like the typical underground 90's trend. But I was more interested in the acting and the story.

John Holmes is the typical American Tradegy, I love it. Val Kilmer didn't fit the part at all of the real John Holmes, but who gives a shit? I love him, he's great in the film. Crittics complained there was not emotional attachment. What kind of logic is that in judging a film? Why does a film have to have that shit. So there wasn't a scene where the characters cry, give big speeches to loud inspirational music. Good, Christ, I'm tired of the emotional bullshit in films. Never met anyone in my life that was so emotional and not just being melodramatic. People in real life are cold. As for the film lacking a message? More bullshit. It is the portrait of a great American, not some public service announcement. People and their obsession for answers in life always make it seem like every film has to have some message. They want it to make themselves feel better. It's bullshit. Life is pretty meaningless, and this crime wasn't even that horrific. Being a criminal justice major, I've heard a lot worse.

The story is facinating, the characters are cool, and after all the shitty reviews of the film, I was blown away when I ended up taking a huge liking to it.

It's a two star film if I were to look at it in a technical side. But personally, I connected with it, I love it, so it gets four. If the film had been a success, I probably would have looked at it differently and ended up not liking it. But that everyone hates it and hardly anyone has seen it, hey, I'm all about it. Let's just hope it doesn't grow like Requiem for a Dream did, going from a no-buzz movie to one of the biggest inspirations in idiot filmmakers today.