‘Elvis’ an energetic look at Rock and Roll king

For many years, music lovers everywhere have enjoyed the music of the one and only Elvis Presley, a.k.a. ‘King of Rock and Roll.’ The singer had a memorable career in film and music. He also had a rocky relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Now, get ready to see this amazing look at the life of the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ on the big screen at the Dietrich.

The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley, seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over two decades, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and the loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’ life, Priscilla Presley.

‘Elvis’ is an exceptionally amazing film that is a must-see, especially if you love the music of the ‘King of Rock and Roll.’ The film delivers great performances, and, of course, awesome music.

Actor Austin Butler does an outstanding job portraying Elvis. The actor got the music performer’s mannerisms just right and also does a great job singing a few of Elvis’ songs. Butler performed a few songs himself when the film showed Elvis in his younger years. And for the scenes of when the singer is older, the filmmakers used Elvis’ actual vocals. Tom Hanks gives another great performance as Colonel Tom Parker. It’s kind of weird seeing Hanks in this kind of role, but when you see the film you can tell that the casting is perfect.

There are quite a few moments in the film that are quite dramatic and can be extremely moving at times. All of the sequences that feature Elvis performing are amazing to watch and some other things when you think you’re watching the real Elvis.

The music in this feature film is simply incredible. There are a few of his songs that are covered by various performers and they are actually really good. The film’s soundtrack is definitely one of the major highlights of this film.

So, if you enjoy the songs performed by the one and only Elvis and want to know more about his life and his complicated relationship he had with his manager, then I highly suggest you give ‘Elvis’ a look.

Some of the cast: Austin Butler as Elvis Presley; Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker; Olivia De Jonge as Priscilla; Helen Thomson as Gladys; Richard Roxburgh as Vernon; Kelvin Harrison Jr. as B.B. King; David Wenham as Hank Snow; Kodi Smit-McPhee as Jimmie Rodgers Snow; Luke Bracey as Jerry Schilling; Dacre Montgomery as Steve Binder and Alton Mason as Little Richard, among others. ‘Elvis’ is written by Baz Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby), Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce (Charlie St. Cloud) and Jeremy Doner and also directed by Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby; Australia; Moulin Rouge!; Romeo + Juliet).

This film was first announced to be in development in April 2014. After the announcement, there were no further developments until five years later in 2019 when Tom Hanks was announced to be in the cast.

Principal photography began on Jan. 28, 2020, and was halted that March due to the start of the pandemic. Filming commenced later that September. Prior to its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Elvis’ ex-wife, daughter and granddaughter (Priscilla Presley; Lisa Marie Presley; Riley Keough) gave the film high praises.

‘Elvis’ is rated PG-13 for substance abuse, strong language, suggestive material and smoking and has a running time of 159 minutes.