MOVIE: Elvis

 26 August 2022

I had so wanted to love this movie and fall in love with Elvis' music, as I had refallen in love with Queen after Bohemian Rhapsody (I don't really care about the historical inaccuracies of BH, it was magical, and one of my favourite music movies, one I can watch over and over without getting tired of it). 

Unfortunately I did not love Elvis the movie. 

What I did enjoy about Elvis the movie:

✅ Learnt more about Elvis, which was fascinating. For instance that he had a yearning for travelling the world, but only ever did so during his army years and then to Hawaii later years. This I must admit I find incredibly sad. 

✅ Learnt about the Colonel that had ruined Elvis. It was interesting to hear the story from the Colonel's perspective. I think Tom Hanks was marvellous in this role. It was interesting that Elvis' philandering and drug use didn't come through stronger, but when I think about it, it must be because it was from the Colonel's perspective and because he 'made' Elvis, he won't ever admit to there being a fault with Elvis.  

✅ My foot did tap along to the music, 

✅ The colours, costumes and collages were marvellous. 

✅ Absolutely loved the old footage of the real Elvis and concerts at the end of the movie. 

Why I did not enjoy the  movie:

👎 It was way too long (02:36)

👎 Austin Butler that played the lead just did not have the charm or charisma of the real Elvis. Which, if the main actor does not come across as real or authentic, makes it difficult for me to enjoy watching. 

👎 I didn't get lost in the movie; the 02:36 didn't fly by, it didn't make me want to rush home and download the soundtrack.  Perhaps the hype was too big?

Very disappointed. I have read quite a number of reviews on the movie and actor now, and am very aware that I'm pretty much on my own here with not enjoying the movie. That's ok.

2/5