A handsome young man named Elvis Presley took the stage and sang with an incredibly gorgeous tone and exciting body actions. We couldn’t believe how captivating a singer could be. And from that day forward, we were among his many fans, which proves it wasn’t only screaming young girls who enjoyed this new musical idol.
So it’s no surprise we eagerly awaited Elvis, a biographical movie directed by Baz Luhrmann (of fabulous Moulin Rouge fame). However, we didn’t think anyone could portray this iconic performer to our satisfaction. Happily, we were wrong.
This “Elvis” film his fans should please.
Austin Butler plays him with ease.
Whether acting or singing scene,
this young actor looks ultra-keen.
Hitting deep notes and shaking right,
he gives viewers a film delight.
Even the sad parts make us care.
The movie IS Baz Luhrmann’s dare.
Tom Hanks adds magic to the role
of Colonel Parker lacking much soul.
But watch for Oscars® when it’s time.
If both actors win, that’s no crime.
We were surprised by Tom Hanks as Colonel Parker, Elvis’ manager, because that’s not the type of role he usually plays. But Hanks does a terrific job with this difficult character. It only took us a few minutes to get used to the way he looks and the accent he uses before we accepted him completely. Parker, not his real name, is a former carnival guy from Holland who takes over Elvis’ career, sometimes not for the star’s benefit, including most of his 31 movies.
This fast-paced offering covers Elvis’ life from a youngster to his death at age 42. We get to see his rags-to-riches story complete with dynamic performances of songs like “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Suspicious Minds” and many more. Austin Butler sings most of the songs. But to get that famous Elvis tone, some of his real voice was melded with Butlers for a few numbers.
Elvis’ family life is also spotlighted as well as Graceland, his time as a G.I. stationed in Germany (where he met 14-year-old Priscilla), and his serious drug problem.
Most of all, Elvis’ love of performing and combining country-Western, Southern, African American, gospel, blues, and pop music comes across loud and clear in this sensational biopic. No wonder Elvis is still called the King of Rock and Roll.
Rhythm is something you have or don’t have. But when you have it, you have it all over. --- Elvis Presley
(Released by Warner Bros. and rated “PG-13” by MPAA. Available on HBO Max on September 2, 2022)
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Writers: Baz Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, Jeremy Doner
Cinematography: Mandy Walker
Costumes: Catherine Martin
Production Design: Karen Murphy, Catherine Martin
the genius; Elvis!! The world of music was changed forever because of Elvis Presley and again your review and poem say it all..Bravo!
can't agree more/
I watched it in the big screen
so much to take away!!!
thanks for sharing
Jk
Using animation for the young Elvis was brilliant because Elvis read comics. He even mentions 'I was the hero of the comic' at that ending video. That's when Elvis and received the 'young man's Jr. chamber of commerce award at age 35. The last year he was eligible to get it.
Every Christmas Elvis gave 31 $1,000 checks to various charities. $9,000 each in today's value.
I watched a couple of the promotional trailers and agree with you wholeheartedly about Tom Hanks and Austin Butler. He seemed to even outperform Elvis! And he certainly has the great good looks. Can't wait to see the movie when it comes around to my cable channels.
Ron