Elvis & Anabelle

Based on the storyline, I expected the movie to be a little cheesy, but I was blown away by how good it was. I really enjoyed the plot development (trying not to spoil anything), I never once looked at my watch to estimate how much time was left. I was sucked into the story and forgot I was watching a movie. To me that is what makes a good film. Something that allows you to suspend belief, like a great book. I highly recommend it. It is sweet, but not a chic flick. I plan to add it to my collection. If movies had opposable thumbs, I would give it a high five. I was pleasantly surprised by Blake Lively, as I missed the Traveling Pants show. Max Minghella stole my heart. Joe Mantegna was fantastic as always. I am interested to see what else Will Geiger has done.

Being such a low-budget film I wasn't expecting much from Elvis and Anabelle but I'm glad I was proved wrong. Both Blake Lively and Max Minghella's performances were excellent. They portrayed characters who both hid dark secrets but also kept the believability of each character at an all time high. Joe Montegna stole the show for me playing the physically and mentally challenged father of Elvis( Max Minghella). His witty one-liners and the love he showed for Elvis and Anabell will touch your heart in such away that you will think about this movie for a long time after the credits role.

With such a quirky storyline and characters you will surely fall in love with,Elvis and Anabell is a terrific must-see film!

The movie made my wife cry (several times) and I thought about it (the movie) for several days afterward. We enjoyed it very much. So did everyone else at the showing (which was sold out). The film has an engaging story, happy ending, beautiful photography, great title, interesting setting (a mortuary without being gross)) and good actors. But it was also "different". The story in particular was thoughtful and well-written and, on its own, kept everyone engaged as the protagonists went from misguided misery to ignorant bliss to suspenseful drama, to . . . . I particularly liked Anabelle (beautiful and seemingly transparent acting), the mortician's father (deceptively sly in a positive fashion) and some of the "spare" dialog (which is hard to write). The mortician's devotion to his father was also touching. All in all, I strongly recommend the movie.

This film is absolutely exquisite in its presentation of a beautiful story. The characters are interesting and thoughtful, yet wonderfully mysterious. Max Minghella and Blake Lively have an incredible magnetic chemistry that keeps the audience engaged throughout the film. Max Minghella will definitely appeal to the younger female audience because his character, Elvis, is dark and mysterious, yet incredibly vulnerable and sensitive. Not to mention he is absolutely heaven to look at! The film also features amazing performances from seasoned actors such as Joe Mantegna and Mary Steenburgen. Finally, this film is unique in that it appeals to a variety of audiences. My teenage daughter fell in love with Max Minghella and his portrayal of Elvis, my mother was captured by the humorous and touching performance of Joe Mantegna, and my husband and I were pleased by the refreshing absence of violence. I would definitely recommend this film, and look forward to its future release. I hope it is soon!

This movie should have had a wider release and more publicity. It's really enjoyable. It's got the story of a good indie movie like "Sideways" or "Little Miss Sunshine" - it's funny, touching, original and actually quite romantic. It's part dark comedy, part quirky romance. The situations are not unpleasant and the dialog is well written.

The actors are good. Blake Lively is a lovely beauty pageant contestant Anabelle and acts very well - probably one of the best acting jobs she has done out of Gossip Girl. She is a perfect fit for the role. Max Minghella as the embalmer Elvis while not a heartthrob is quite suited to this offbeat hero. They have chemistry a bit like Penn Badgley & Blake do in Gossip Girl. Mary Steenburgen is just right as the anxious pageant mom. Keith Carradine is good as the stepfather. Joe Mantegna is quite moving as Elvis's father.

Very highly recommended. Worth watching.