ELVIS | MOVIE REVIEW | LYNNMALL

I had been looking forward to seeing Elvis since hearing about its debut at Cannes (to a 12-minute standing ovation!). Add to that the endorsement of Pricilla Presley and the media hype around relative newcomer Austin Butler as Elvis, and the movie had a lot to live up to and I am pleased to say that it absolutely delivered!

AUSTIN BUTLER as Elvis in Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama “ELVIS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The movie focuses on Elvis’s relationship with Colonel Tom Parker (played by an unrecognisable Tom Hanks). From their first meeting to Elvis’s early death, aged just 42, the movie covers the history and music that made the Elvis legend.  From dance moves to song origins, it is a real insight into the evolving career of Elvis and the impact he had not only on the music industry but also on the wider societal issues of the time.

But there is also the more tragic side of Elvis…the mismanagement of his money by Parker, the strong influence he had on his career decisions, and how the demands he put on Elvis then resulted in his introduction to prescription drugs.

(L-r) TOM HANKS as Colonel Tom Parker and AUSTIN BUTLER as Elvis in Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama “ELVIS,” © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

But the highlight is definitely Butler’s performance as Elvis. The moves, the voice, the look – he has it all. By using a relative unknown in a key role they become the character and Butler embraces all that Elvis was. Butler sings all of Presley’s early music in Elvis (for the later Las Vegas years, his voice is blended with actual Elvis performances). He has been playing guitar and studying music since he was 13.

Elvis is still the biggest selling solo artist of all time which is an amazing feat in this age of streaming. If you are looking for something to do over the long weekend, then I would definitely recommend a trip to the cinema to catch Elvis – 4 stars out of 5 for me

AUSTIN BUTLER as Elvis in Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama “ELVIS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Check times & dates for Reading Cinema HERE, then head to LynnMall for a delightful family movie to go with your popcorn.