ELVIS – “A spectacle fit for a king”

ELVIS

 Copyright: © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

 Caption: AUSTIN BUTLER as Elvis in Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama “ELVIS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

RATING

DIRECTOR

Directed by: Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge – 2001)

MAIN CAST

  • Austin Butler as Elvis Presley
  • Tom Hanks as Tom Parker
  • Helen Thomson as Gladys Presley
  • Richard Roxburgh as Vernon Presley
  • Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla Presley
  • Luke Bracey as Jerry Schilling
  • Natasha Bassett as Dixie Locke
  • David Wenham as Hank Snow
  • Kelvin Harrison Jr. as B. King
  • Xavier Samuel as Scotty Moore
  • Kodi Smit-McPhee as Jimmie Rodgers Snow
  • Leon Ford as Tom Diskin

SYNOPSIS

Elvis Presley rises to fame in the 1950s while maintaining a complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

REVIEW SUMMARY

In a spectacle fit for a king, Baz Luhrmann and company deliver a truly special movie-going experience that will very likely leave you “all shook up.” For one, the film is dripping with all the pomp and pageantry one could hope for. It also brings with it a large helping of heart. Yes, after years of drab TV movies and ho-hum miniseries, this is the Elvis biopic to beat all Elvis biopics. It’s clear that it was made with an abundance of tender, love, and care (not to mention the Presley family’s blessing and praise). The result is emotional, inspiring, and downright entertaining. Holding it all together, of course, is the movie’s lead actor – a stellar Austin Butler. In an absolute perfect bit of casting, Butler doesn’t just imitate Elvis, he expertly embodies him. The voice, the mannerisms, the varied look throughout the years – it’s all pitch perfect. And while he may have had some help with a few prosthetics here and there (not to mention some 90-plus costume changes), Butler never fails to let Presley’s soul shine through. It’s palpable in literally every scene he’s in! As for the rest of the cast, well, let’s just say they are not given nearly as much depth or material to work with. Priscilla’s one-dimensional presence is particularly disappointing. As for “the Colonel,” Tom Hanks does good on his transformation into the conman/businessman, but it admittedly gives off too much of a Bond villain vibe to be taken seriously. Regardless, the movie is effortless in its appeal, thanks in great part to the rockn’ soundtrack (as to be expected). The hits just keep on coming, as does the visual splendor! Trust me, this is one movie that you just can’t help falling in love with!

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