In this documentary on California, director Alexander von Wetter does not take his view of the history and inhabitants of the state into unexplored territory but stays within the bounds of a conventional and quite elementary coverage of the early Spaniards, the Gold Rush, and other commonly-known historical events. Von Wetter offsets the historical scenes with views of modern California and its often eccentric citizens. Some relief to the simplistic tale is provided by stand-up comedian Paul Rodriguéz; other performers do not fare as well.