ELVIS (2022) IS NOT THE ELVIS I KNEW AND I DON'T THINK ELVIS WOULD HAVE APPROVED OF THIS SLOP

 

Elvis (2022) begins with a statement narrated by Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) that there would have been no Elvis without him. Which is not only total BS but immediately establishes this is a movie about Parker and Elvis, perhaps an "Elvis & Colonel Tom" type of title would have been more appropriate. Someone like Elvis was bound to be discovered just like Marilyn Monroe or John C Holmes, the fact of the matter is Elvis and the Colonel were a couple of losers, each with their own addictions and weakness that inevitably lead to bad choices. Elvis was a schmuck for signing the deal he did. 

As a movie about the two men's business relationship it's downright shallow and a bit creepy. As a biopic it totally fails. Examples - pathetic as it was, Elvis' movie career in the '60's is almost entirely skipped over. Way too much time is spent on the '68 Comeback Special segment while failing to recreate the great vibe of that show. An Elvis meltdown while onstage in the early '70's during his karate phase sounds nothing like the actual ones heard on many bootlegs from the era. The end of his life is typical Hollywood schlock. 

As far as Hanks is concerned, I don't think it's necessarily so much a bad performance as the biggest miscast in cinematic history. One can't help but wonder had Hanks actually read for the part would they have noticed that. Musically, Austin Butler's voice matches well if not a bit throaty for the King. His face looks nothing like Elvis to me, certainly not like Kurt Russell or Val Kilmer in their turns. Is this what Elvis is supposed to look like to the new younger generations? Maybe so, but it looks nothing like the Elvis I've known for sixty years and I seriously doubt the King would have approved of this slop.  1.5 stars/5

TIM ROBBINS, MICHAEL PENA & RACHEL ADAMS ARE THREE SOLDIERS WHO MEET AT JFK AND TAKE A SPONTANIOUS ROAD TRIP IN "THE LUCKY ONES" (2007)

An interesting post-war character-driven dramedy from Neil Burger, the guy who brought us The Illusionist. The various issues and situations soldiers have to deal with when coming back after an extended leave is woven into the plot and dialog but don't expect any huge revelations or statements on war or the soldier's role. When said and done The Lucky Ones is at best an entertaining road trip movie driven by the nice diversity of the three main characters and of course a triplet of acting stalwarts. 

Despite this none of these three performances are particularly noteworthy or above-level although Adams does shine the best of the three, face it, she's great to look at and has a bubbly charisma that's hard to resist. Robbins is a master of the craft and even though he kicks it way back here (even more than usual) in his assumption of the role, the gentle giant vibe of who he is will always show through. 

As a road trip movie it checks off a lot of appeasable boxes including locations and photography but falters with pacing, one of the movie's other big problems. I still recommend The Lucky Ones and strangely enough it would probably be a good choice for a family or friends gathering. We must always remember the ones who serve our country have the same problems as those who don't, they make mistakes just like everybody else. 

The Lucky Ones is currently streaming on Tubi, Pluto or VOD.  3.0 stars/5

TOM BERENGER IS A CRUSTY OLD VET HUNTING IN THE WOODS WHO FINDS A DEAD BODY AND SACK OF MONEY IN "BLOOD AND MONEY" (2020)

 

Good Ole Tom Berenger, looking quite the silver fox these days, stars in this Maine woods thriller by first-time director John Barr. An under-appreciated actor who never quite got enough exposure or proper dues for that matter, Berenger does a more than serviceable turn as the protagonist trying to stay sober after a year in AA. He finds a dead body and a bag on money, of course this has been done in a million formats land air or sea, but there's still more than enough here to keep the movie lover entertained. The photography and Berenger are high points.

Released in May 2020 to both theaters and VOD at the same time, Blood And Money was privy to several different DVD cover renderings (see below.) It's a worthy entry in the crowded woodsy thrillers genre, most professional reviews gave it two to two and a half stars. I think it's deserving of just a bit more, going to go 2.75 out of 5 on this. Currently streams on Tubi and just about every free outlet including Vudu and Crackle.