Elvis - 💥💥💥💥

Director: Baz Luhrmann

Writers: Baz Luhrmann, Sam Bromell and Craig Pearce

Release Date: 24th June

Hot Rating: 💥💥💥💥

Synopsis: Chronicles the life of Rock 'n' Roll legend Elvis Presley - from his childhood days in Memphis, listening to rhythm and blues and gospel, to his infamous Vegas residency at the International Hotel. A classic rise and fall story which captures the corruption of the music industry and the burden of fame. 

Like all Luhrmann films, Elvis, is a feast for the eyes. The type of feast that, for every consumer that comes away feeling satisfied, there will be ten others that feel gratuitously sick. Editing is bombastic and, often, surreal. Colours are as vivid and glitzy as the King's diamond-encrusted jumpsuit. Indeed, there is perhaps no one better suited to capture Elvis’ sublime and often kitsch appeal, than the film’s Aussie Auteur. However, Elvis isn’t all pink suits and pomade. It’s a real-life Shakespearan tragedy brought to life by the dazzling performances of its leads Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. Their chemistry, much how you imagine Elvis and Colonel Parker’s, is off-kilter but engaging. Even when the visuals dominate, the acting, the singing, remains strong. It’s this kinetic bond between human emotion and surreal visuals that gives Elvis such a kinetic magnetism. Something both enthusing and overwhelming in the best way.