| Review by Jim |
| Plot: Unbeknowst to the rest of the world, Elvis didn't really die, he instead switched places with an impersonator and is now living out his last miserable days in an East Texas retirement home. Too bad for him that a soul-sucking mummy has taken up residence as well. Now it's up to the king of rock and a black JFK to stop him, but are they just too damn old to do it? Review: What does one think when going into a film where the basic premise is an elderly Elvis Pressly and a black JFK are taking on a mummy wearing a cowboy hat and boots? And what does one think when on top of all this Elvis is played by Bruce "Ash" Campbell? Of course we're all thinking this is going to a B-movie opus filled with gore and humor, but that's not actually what Bubba Ho-tep is about. Bubba Ho-tep, despite its wacky concept and cast of eccentric characters, is more serious than anybody would really think it is. Okay, there's still some pretty good humor throughout this movie, but none of the usual B-movie gags, just situational stuff. And hey, it's just plain funny to see Bruce Campbell looking like an old and weathered Elvis. If you told me Bruce Campbell could play Elvis (let alone an old one) before I saw this movie I would've called you a fucking liar, but of course after seeing Bubba, Bruce Campbell IS Elvis. No ifs about it here, Bruce Campbell gave a truly great performance here. He looks like Elvis, sounds like Elvis, and acts like Elvis. It's worth the price of admission just for that. Next up there's Ossie Davis as a black JFK who gives a great performance and works well opposite Bruce Campbell. Without the right people, the movie wouldn't have gelled since a lot of what makes this movie good is the acting. So people looking for a non-stop, bloody roller coaster will have to just go back to watching their copies of Evil Dead I & II. There are some alright parts, though. The highlight without a doubt having to be Elvis taking on a supernatural beetle...with a bedpan. But on the other hand, the "climactic" showdown between the two geezers and the mummy was underwhelming. Then again they are ancient, so what do you expect? The film's biggest plus besides the two talented actors brilliantly casted, would have to be all issues about getting old the movie deals with. Elvis is completely spent, he's tired and nobody really remembers him. He gets talked down to by the nurse on a regular basis, and feels he's on his last legs. His narrations are terrific to listen, and the film never ceases to be interesting character-wise. It's just a clever movie, especially with Elvis' penis problems as a metaphor for him getting stronger as a character. So why only three stars for such a funny and charming movie? Simply put, not a whole lot happens. The mummy isn't really scary or interesting for that matter and doesn't get much time in the movie. As the main and only baddie of the movie, I felt they should've given him more personality (and at least explained why he was wearing a cowboy hat and matching boots) or beefed up his role. That complaint aside, Bubba Hotep is a pretty solid movie with great acting and a quirky (but enjoyable) feel to it. The catch is there's not too much action going onscreen, so if you're not into the humor you might find yourself yawning a few times. Other than that, any Bruce Campbell or fan of offbeat movies should definitely check this out. Never, ever fuck with the king! |
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| Rating: *** |