Elvis (2022)

The film begins by introducing an older man named Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), who we learn was once Elvis Presley’s agent and personal manager.  Colonel Parker serves as our narrator, taking us back to where it all began, starting with Elvis’s childhood.  We see his upbringing and family life in great depth, as well as a young Elvis having various life-changing experiences that helped him rise to fame and popularity.  When Colonel Parker consistently hears a new talent being played on the radio, he seeks the singer out and investigates further.  He witnesses a young Elvis (played by Austin Butler) performing on stage in front of a large crowd and is instantly impressed.  Colonel Parker decides to pursue him, eventually making various promises relating to Elvis’s future career as a singer and actor. 

Directed by Baz Luhrmann, best known for smash hits such as Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge and Strictly Ballroom, this is a fast-paced, snappy film that even feels a little wild.  It’s also a film that feels highly creative and imaginative.  Viewers are rarely given a chance to catch their breath, being thrown right into Elvis’s life from the very opening.  The story goes back and forth through time, which may seem a little too much at first, but once viewers adjust to the Director’s vision, style and rhythm, there’s a spectacular journey to witness and experience.

Elvis-Main-1

Elvis is best described as a heavy drama.  We are provided with a deep dark dive into various moments of Elvis’s life, including the major highlights of his career and an honest look at the many challenges he suffered.  If you’re expecting to see everything about Elvis’s life, you may be slightly disappointed as the story is told from the perspective of Colonel Parker.  Some moments from Elvis’s life are not presented on the screen, but I do feel many of the key highlights and topics are shown.  For many movie lovers, there’s a strong chance that you’ll walk away from this film discovering something you didn’t know about the life of Elvis (I know I did upon my first viewing).

Elvis-Main-2

Performances here can’t be faulted.  Austin Butler’s portrayal of the rock ‘n roll icon Elvis is flawless, and my expectations were exceeded.  Everything from his speech and singing to his facial expressions and general movements amazed and impressed me.  Tom Hanks was powerful here, too, as Colonel Tom Parker.  To my surprise, Tom Hanks was given a fair amount of screen time, which was unexpected, but his role is critical not only as the narrator but in helping us understand Elvis’s journey and torment.  This character was quite different for Tom Hanks to tackle, requiring him to wear a fat suit and portray a highly selfish character.  Naturally, Tom Hanks pulls this character off wonderfully, as expected.  The interactions between Austin Butler and Tom Hanks felt real, and I enjoyed watching unsettling and dramatic moments unfold.

Elvis-Main-3

Of course, being a film about Elvis means it is packed with stunning music tracks and familiar numbers.  This is a strength of the film, highlighting various Elvis concerts and the origin of some of his songs.  It’s easy to feel entertained by the music alone, and the sound quality of these moments doesn’t disappoint.  The costume design is equally impressive, not just for Elvis, but in managing to recreate various points in time.  The costuming always felt accurate and convincing in portraying different time periods and characters.

Elvis-Main-4

As for any negatives, my points are quite minor.  While the film focuses on the passionate relationship between Elvis and Priscilla (played by Olivia DeJonge), certain aspects of this relationship feel vague or ignored, including how the two first met.  This could be because the story is told from another person’s perspective, or perhaps the Director didn’t feel like focusing on this aspect as much as I had hoped (it’s not shown but narrated).  Another minor disappointment is the character Vernon, Elvis’s father (Richard Roxburgh), who sadly felt out of place and unfitting right from his introduction.

Elvis-Main-5

Overall, this film won’t fail to entertain if you are a fan of Elvis or the highly creative director Baz Luhrmann.  It’s fast-paced, snappy, and filled with heavy and dramatic moments which are touching and, at times, downright powerful to witness.  Audiences are taken on a wild journey, and highlights of Elvis’s life are downright applaud-worthy thanks to various musical numbers and costume designs.  Austin Butler delivers a flawless performance as Elvis, impressively portraying his speech, mannerisms, and vocals.  Tom Hanks is quite surprising as the narrator and gives something memorable and unique here.  I had an absolute blast with this film and was highly impacted at various moments while watching.  I guess you could say that as the credits rolled, I was honestly “all shook up”.

8.6/10

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

21st June 2022
Written by Peter Walkden

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4 Comments

  1. Lynne Rose

    Fantastic review Peter! You nailed it. The movie was truly entertaining and thought provoking and I also had many emotions through out it.

    Reply
    • peter@walkdenentertainment.com

      Thank you Lynne, I am so glad to hear you also enjoyed the film!

      Reply
  2. Gloria

    Great review. I saw the movie yesterday and as a life-long Elvis fan, I loved it, but was emotionally exhausted afterwards. Austin Butler didn’t disappoint and neither did Tom Hanks. And neither did Baz Luhrmann for that matter. I really didn’t know who he was until “Elvis” and his style fits Elvis perfectly.

    Reply
    • peter@walkdenentertainment.com

      Great feedback Gloria! Austin Butler certainly did not disappoint either.

      Reply

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Sidonie (Isabelle Huppert) is a renowned writer invited to travel to Osaka, Japan, for six days. A Japanese publisher plans to republish Sidonie's first book, and she is now being given the opportunity to sign copies of the book in person for long-term fans and...

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot (2024)

In Deep East Texas, in a small community called Possum Trot, the year is 1996. Donna (Nika King) tells the audience about the pivotal moments of her life, including falling in love with Reverend W.C. Martin (Demetrius Grosse), getting married, and having children....

A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

Samira (Lupita Nyong’o) is living in a hospice, facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. Offering her comfort and joy is a sweet black and white cat named Frodo. After she attends a group counselling session, Samira's nurse, Reuben (Alex Wolff), invites her to join other...

Despicable Me 4 (2024)

Once again, we follow Gru (Steve Carell) as he continues to work secretly for AVL (Anti-Villain League). During his most recent undercover operation, Gru successfully apprehended a new kind of supervillain named Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), who has a massive...

Woman Who Came Back (1945)

Near Boston lies a small town, Eben Rocks, a quiet and peaceful community- at least on the surface. Three hundred years ago, the town saw significant upheaval as innocent people were branded as witches. As a result, some were unjustly condemned to death and burned at...

Interview: Lance Larson / Deadland (2023)

Walkden Entertainment (aka Peter Walkden) had the honour and pleasure of chatting with Lance Larson, director and one of the writers of Deadland (2023), available on Digital from June 26th in Australia and New Zealand, thanks to Lightbulb Film Distribution. Let's...

Deadland (2023)

Angel (Roberto Urbina), a U.S. border Agent, and his partner Ray (McCaul Lombardi) run a tight ship maintaining the border. One day, while patrolling, Angel receives a call and satellite coordinates about suspicious activity nearby. When he arrives and investigates...

The Promised Land (2023)

Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen) has returned home after twenty-five years of service in the German army. To start his life anew, he seeks permission to cultivate the barren lands of Jutland Heath. However, the leadership of the King at The Royal Treasury informs him...

The Man Who Haunted Himself (1970)

Harold Pelham (Roger Moore) is a successful business executive who lives with his wife and two children. One morning, Pelham drives to work and unexpectedly is involved in a tragic car crash. Fortunately, he survives and eventually makes a full recovery. After...

The Exorcism (2024)

Actor Anthony Miller, also known as Tony (Russell Crowe), is preparing for an upcoming audition for a dramatic horror film.  At the same time, his daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), returns home after being suspended from school.  Tony hopes that succeeding in...

Inside Out 2 (2024)

It’s been a while since we last saw Riley (Kensington Tallman). Recently, Riley turned thirteen and has officially entered her teenage years. Once again, we delve into her mind's lively range of emotions - joy, disgust, sadness, fear, and anger. There have been...

The Watchers (2024)

Mina (Dakota Fanning) is a young artist who works at a pet store in western Ireland. Aside from her job and passion for drawing, she enjoys assuming different identities at local bars to pursue one-night stands. Mina frequently receives phone calls from her sister,...

Frogman (2023)

On August 7th, 1999, a family was on vacation, making several stops.  During their travels, they ended up in a town called Loveland and discovered something strange near some bushes.  Thanks to a family video recorder, the family's youngest member,...

Uptight (1968)

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee and was buried in Atlanta, Georgia. His death had a significant impact on the community of Cleveland, Ohio, leading to ongoing crowds and riots. Four days after King's funeral, we follow Tank...

The Music of Chance (1993)

Jack Pozzi (James Spader) is a professional card player and gambler. One day, he is found lying on the side of the road in a suit covered in blood. Jim Nashe (Mandy Patinkin), who is driving by, offers Jack a ride, and a friendship begins. Living off a large...

About Last Night (1986)

Danny (Rob Lowe) and Bernie (Jim Belushi) are good friends who live in Windy City. While walking around the streets, Bernie boasts about his latest romantic conquest, and Danny listens eagerly. Later, they enjoy playing baseball with their close friends, and a group...

Delia’s Gone (2022)

Louis (Stephan James) lives with his sister Delia (Genelle Williams). One day, when Louis and Delia are driving into town, Delia requests that Louis stop the vehicle and pull over. Delia leaves the car with a gun, which surprises Louis, but when he questions the...

Alice in Terrorland (2023)

After a tragic fire takes her parents' lives, Alice (Lizzy Willis) must move in with her grandmother, Beth (Rula Lenska), in a woodland home. As Alice tries to cope with the loss of her parents, Beth offers her various forms of comfort and support, including reading...

Stopmotion (2023)

Ella (Aisling Franciosi) is a highly skilled stop-motion animator. While working on her newest project, animating various monsters, we discover that her mother, Suzanne (Stella Gonet), is watching and guiding Ella's every move. Suzanne is guiding the entire film,...

Sight (2024)

Set in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2007, we follow a successful laser surgeon, Dr Ming Wang (Terry Chen), who works at the Vision Institute. Dr Wang has spent over a decade bringing young children out of darkness by fixing their vision. Many in the media and public claim...

The Beast (2023)

The film opens with a woman (Léa Seydoux) acting in a room surrounded by nothing but a large green screen. Instructions are given, and the actress is informed where key objects are. Lastly, the actress is advised about the location of ‘The Beast’ so she can react....

The Garfield Movie (2024)

When a tiny kitten is abandoned by his father and left alone in an alleyway in the rain, he discovers a restaurant serving hot pasta and pizza. Sitting all alone inside the restaurant is Jon (Nicholas Hoult). By luck, Jon discovers the tiny orange kitten outside the...

Clawfoot (2023)

Janet (Francesca Eastwood) is a housewife living in a luxury upper-class suburb. Upon waking up, she finds her husband, Evan (Nestor Carbonell), has apparently vanished. Despite supposedly going away on a work trip, his luggage is still in the house. To make matters...

Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever (2023)

In an interrogation room, a young man named Bent Segenius Midjord (Casper Kjær Jensen) is being questioned by an officer named Kramer (Paprika Steen). Bent is covered in blood, and Kramer accuses him of cutting a vicar's throat. During the interview, Bent claims that...

Corner Office (2022)

Orson (Jon Hamm) is a new employee at The Authority Inc. On a snowy morning, he parks his car and begins his first day, hoping for great things ahead.  Walking through the front door, he feels at peace, as if he has come to the right place. Through narration, we...

Jericho Ridge (2023)

In North Washington, Deputy Tabby (Nikki Amuka-Bird) wakes up and prepares for her day as a sheriff. She takes various pills, and we see her moving about with a crutch due to her bad limp. While Tabby has been a sheriff for some time, she has been on leave due to her...

Crocodile Swarm (2024)

Four friends decide to enter an old cave that used to be a mining system. As they enter the mine, they discover a lighting system that, once powered up, makes it far easier to wander around instead of just relying on lighting from their helmets. Soon, they hear...

The Taste of Things (2023)

In 1889, in France, we follow the story of Dodin (Benoît Magimel), a highly skilled chef, and Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), who works as a cook closely by his side. The movie begins with Dodin and Eugénie preparing various meals, and Eugénie selecting vegetables from a...

Golda (2023)

In 1974, Golda Meir, played by Helen Mirren, attends a hearing where she is asked to speak about The Yom Kippur War in 1973, during her tenure as the Prime Minister of Israel. Sworn in to tell the truth, she reflects and recounts her experiences. Despite dealing with...

Skeletons in the Closet (2024)

Mark (Terrence Howard) lives with his wife, Valentina (Valery M. Ortiz), and their daughter, Jenny (Appy Pratt), in a peaceful home. One morning, Mark prepares himself for work, speaking positively about himself to build confidence and ask for a pay raise. Meanwhile,...

Infested (2023)

A group of men carrying large knives and other equipment are exploring a mysterious desert, hoping to discover riches or perhaps a rare species. When one of the men lifts a large rock and finds a strange hole in the sand, he’s curious to see what’s inside. Instead of...

Conan the Destroyer (1984)

When Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is surrounded and attacked by a group of unknown armed men—whether to kill him or for some other reason-, he does what he does best: uses his sword to protect himself and his sidekick Malak (Tracey Walter). After defending himself...

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003)

The story follows a blind man named Zatôichi (Takeshi Kitano). We meet him as he takes a break from walking on a dirt road, and a group attempt to rob and murder him. He easily defends himself despite being completely blind. Zatôichi is a master swordsman with a...

Lost in the Stars (2022)

He Fei (Zhu Yilong) and his wife, Li Muzi (Huang Kay), go on a holiday together in Southeast Asia to celebrate their anniversary. Unfortunately, while they looked forward to relaxation and celebration, the holiday turns for the worst as Li Muzi suddenly disappears. He...

The Book of Solutions (2023)

Marc (Pierre Niney) is a passionate filmmaker determined to complete and unveil his latest film. However, when Marc presents his current work to a group of producers, they find the storyline impossible to understand and the imagery and style awful. Instead of letting...

Bluey S3. EP49 – The Sign (2024)

It's time for the biggest event of the year. The Heeler family is having a wedding in their backyard for Uncle Rad's (Patrick Brammall) and Aunt Frisky's (Claudia O’Doherty) wedding. At the same time, The Heelers are dealing with massive changes, particularly with...

Interview: Allee-Sutton Hethcoat / The Stolen Valley (2022)

Walkden Entertainment (aka Peter Walkden) was delighted to chat with Allee-Sutton Heathcoat, actress from The Stolen Valley (2022), available digitally from April 17th in Australia and New Zealand thanks to Lightbulb Film Distribution....

Interview: Briza Covarrubias / The Stolen Valley (2022)

Walkden Entertainment (aka Peter Walkden) enjoyed chatting with Briza Covarrubias, the lead actress of The Stolen Valley (2022), available digitally from April 17th in Australia and New Zealand, thanks to Lightbulb Film Distribution....