Treasure hunters in suburbia

Michael Cahill's feature King of California is an amiable dysfunctional-family drama about a father and daughter who discover the true value of their combative relationship is that their broken familial bond is ripe for renewal.

Intermittent narrative lapses and a slight dramatic disconnect in two otherwise fine lead performances don't diminish the film's indie aesthetic and attractive production values.

Miranda (Evan Rachel Wood), 16, has been living alone since her mother ran off and her bipolar father, Charlie (Michael Douglas), entered an institution.

With his stay in the psychiatric facility over, Charlie returns home to join Miranda, but it's not a joyful family reunion. Charlie reveals his scheme to unearth a hidden treasure that he insists is buried in their Californian neighbourhood.

King of California. Stars Harrison Michael Douglas and Evan Rachel Wood. Rated 15.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.