Elvis (2022) Review 

After a long wait I have finally had the chance to get back to the cinema and watch one of the biggest films of 2022, Elvis. Here is my review for the film. The premise of the film documents the life of the great Elvis Presley, his rise in music his troubles and his interesting relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker. 

Main Character

Elvis has got to be one of the hardest roles an actor can play and the role falls to Austin Butler here and he does a brilliant job. I was watching the film and I totally believed that he was Elvis, whether it was the great performances or the more personal human moments. This is going to be his breakout role for sure and this is just one of those special performances, he is magnetic on screen and this is going to lead to a great career ahead. 

Supporting Characters

Tom Hanks plays Colonel Tom Parker and he is really important in this film. Apart from a bit of a silly accent, Hanks does a really good job in this role. The chemistry between Butler and himself is really well handled and you believe in their relationship and their dynamic. The film is a bit aggressive with its take on the character but Hanks sells the deceit and treachery of his character as well as he possibly can. The rest of the cast do a really good job as they filter in and out of the film. Olivia DeJonge plays Priscilla and she is really good with the chemistry between her and Butler being effective when it is on screen. Helen Thompson & Richard Roxburgh play Elvis parents and they play their roles really well to kind of bring this larger then life personality down to earth which was necessary. 

Story 

The story is at its best when it looks at the rise and subsequent fall of Elvis. Seeing him perform in his prime is so entertaining and mesmerising that you can't help but be excited by it. It shows sides of Elvis that I never knew about and it mostly feels like it treats him as a real person instead of just this huge star. But I can't deny that there are parts of this film I was less interested in and there is way too much of Colonel Tom Parker. His character is sometimes laughable, being like a cartoon villain and I would have preferred to see some other sides of his life instead of focusing so heavily on this one. 

Script

The script is well delivered, it has some really dramatic moments in it and it felt like Butler really encapsulated what I would imagine Elvis being like. There is also some funny moments but maybe not as much as some people wanted, though I enjoyed it. 

Style 

With the film being directed by Baz Luhrmann so you know visually that this film is going to look unique and apart from one or two moments it really works. As I mentioned above, seeing Elvis perform is incredible and it was delivered as promised. My issue is the pacing of the film, it goes a little too long and sometimes drags its heels in for some of its story beats. 

Overall

Overall, Elvis is a great film that will be enjoyed by fans of his and people are novices. I would say find a chance to watch this one as I suspect it will be a big contender come award season. 

Rating - 8/10