Tackling the role of Elvis Presley is a daunting challenge. There are millions of adoring, protective fans who will watch and critique every move and curled lip.
A 30-year-old actor named Austin Butler has given us his take on the famed performer in the new theatrical film "Elvis," and he has simply hit the ball out of the park.
The movie is elevated even higher by Oscar-winning co-star Tom Hanks and the stunning visual style of acclaimed writer/director Baz Luhrmann
The film begins with a big visual splash – Presley's famous "TCB" ("Taking Care of Business") logo, which blends into the Warner Bros. shield.
We then encounter the singer's aging former manager, Col. Tom Parker, now near-death and eager to set the record straight on whether he was a manipulative charlatan.
By the way, Hanks spent between two-and-a-half to five hours each day in the makeup chair to achieve the look of the heavyset promoter.
the story moves very quickly and at times almost seems frenetic. It's a challenge to depict such an amazing life and career in a little over two-and-a-half hours
so a lot of events are just touched on or passed over. Priscilla Presley does figure in the story, but just like many other parts of Elvis' life, that could have been its own movie.
This movie does deliver on many levels: It's wonderful depiction of Elvis Presley in different eras, as well as a look at the life and career challenges he was going through.