Dir: Don Coscarelli
Cast: Bruce Campbell, Ossie Davis, Bob Ivy,
Ella Joyce, Reggie Bannister
Rated R, Approx: 93 Minutes
MGM DVD
king of the undead."
short story that also captures the
author's unique tone.
collection of short stories called Writers of the Purple Rage. Oddly enough, less than a month after I read it, a film
version of one of the stories, Bubba Ho-Tep, was announced. My interest was peaked right away as I found out that
the film was being handled by Phantasm vet Don Coscarelli. I was still very curious though, the story seemed pretty
short and had a central character who spent a good deal of time discussing a growth on his pecker. I was wondering
if Coscarelli would just take the premise and run with it, or if he was going to try to hold true to the source material.
After seeing the film recently at a Chicago festival, I was shocked at how closely they followed the narrative and the
overall tone of Landsdale's work.
years old and living in rest home in Texas. He's the real Elvis Presley (or at least he thinks he is) but he was sick of
the restrictions brought upon his life by fame. So, naturally, he swapped lives with an Elvis impersonator and never
told anyone. The impersonator died on his throne and the real Elvis broke hip falling off of the stage during a
'tribute' show. Well, now he's 68 and he's living in a rest home where everyone treats him like an invalid. To make
matters worse, he has a growth on his pecker.
lot of people were in on the assassination attempt - including the government. They took his brain and replaced it
with sand so that they could control him (and kill him off if need be). They also dyed his skin black so that no one
would believe his story! Through their wacky background stories, Elvis and Kennedy form a bond. Unfortunately
though, things get more complicated as they find out that there's a mummy preying on the elderly in the home by
sucking their souls out of their assholes!
leads are very strong and further
enhance the narrative...
so much for the movie that I don't feel like I'm ruining anything. What I wrote above is basically the set up for the
movie. The story unfolds wonderfully from there. Everyone involved deserves a huge congratulations for making
one of the most wildly original films in recent memory.
turns ever. He has a few one liners, but they fit naturally into the story. What was most impressive on his part
though, was they way he conveyed so naturally all the aches and pains of being a 68 year old out of shape king of
rock and roll. From the way he walked, to the way he breathed, I couldn't possibly see anyone doing this role better.
As amazing as he was, I would actually go as far as to say that Ossie Davis stole quite a few scenes from him. Davis
was so good in such a bizarre role. I really think his performance was one of my favorites ever, I guarantee that you'll
never see anything quite like it. He gave the production a level of class not usually seen in this type of movie. The
rest of the cast did well (notably Ella Joyce) but the standouts were definitely the two leads. Some interesting bit
parts were included too, keeping horror fans happy. Reggie Bannister makes a few quick appearances, and there is
a lovely scene with Hiedi Marnhout. The first time I saw Marnhout was in Phantasm: Oblivion, and I have to say that
she is one of the most attractive people I've ever laid eyes on. Coscarelli teases us a little further, much like he did
before with a few tantalizing shots.
think anything will ever match the unpredictable feel of the original Phantasm, but Coscarelli's come a long way
since and he should be very proud of this latest work. He moves a long at a leisurely pace but keeps the movie from
becoming boring. The cinematography is smooth and good looking. Aside from his excellent work in the director's
chair, he also handled the screenplay adaptation. Bubba Ho-Tep must have been an intimidating story to
approach, but he did an almost flawless job. He not only kept pretty much the entire narrative of the story true to the
source material, but also kept the feel of the story dead on. It wasn't easy to make a movie set almost entirely inside
of a rest home feel like Texas. Maybe it's just because I've never been to Texas, but I was convinced. He also
included some nice nods to Landsdale that weren't in the story (Elvis mutters 'Mucho Mojo' as he gathers his things
for the final confrontation). I only have one small gripe, which I really shouldn't dwell on since it was such a small part
of the film. If I were to be a tight ass though, I would point out that I wasn't particularly fond of the two goofy
ambulance workers who came to the home repeatedly to pick up the dead bodies. It reminded me of the some of the
comedy misfires in Phantasm III.
Just about every aspect of the movie clicked perfectly with me. This is one that I can't wait to pick up on DVD. From
what I learned from Campbell at the screening, he said that they're hoping to have it out in October. While this
probably doesn't have a huge shot a theatrical run, I hope to see a well stocked DVD.
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