Road to Graceland

This movie was a lot of fun. If you're an Elvis fan you will surely like the ride to Graceland. It taps into the mystery surrounding Elvis in ways I've never seen before. The characters are a little emotionally strung out but it creates a sense of bonding between them that draws the viewer into the gig. Enjoyable movie, and some great scenery too. From out west, to gambling in Tunica Mississippi, to crying on Elvis's carpet inside Graceland. Priscilla was an advisor to the film and allowed some intimate participation from the estate. Harvey Keitel is a HOOT! Thumbs up and "thank you ver.." ...alright I won't.

"Finding Graceland" is a sweet, fascinating movie that will take you through a whole landscape of unlikely characters who show up unexpectedly and manage to leave their perfect gifts behind. It is a road movie in which the adventures are spiritual. When Keitel announces that he is Elvis, you suspect that he is delusional but, before the movie ends he will convince you that what you think you know is not necessarily the way things are. Keitel is wonderful at playing tough guys but I think he really shines as an actor in his smaller and more low-key movies like this one and Smoke. The cast is excellent - some playing celebrity impersonators who are real, complex human beings with personalities of their own. Bridget Fonda as a tender, almost motherly, Marilyn Monroe is great fun to watch. I've seen this movie several times and it holds up well, always revealing new layers of story and message. Wonderful scenery, a classy car, excellent performances, and a quirky plot make this a worthwhile movie to watch. Maybe even to watch over and over. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Yesterday, I was flipping channels and came across this little gem. As soon as I saw Harvey Keitel, I laid the tv remote down. I caught it during the opening credits and I had no clue what to expect. I wasn't too concerned though. Any film involving Keitel usually has its rewards. The story follows a young man who was widowed a year ago. He's taking a road trip when he picks up a drifter who claims to be Elvis, but looks nothing like the king.

This is the kind of feel-good drama that I haven't seen in a long time. Perhaps what suprised me the most, was that this is the kind of flick that the whole family can enjoy. The prfanity is very light and there is one mild scene of sexuality. Harvey Keitel delivers a knockout performance as Elvis and Bridget Fonda was also quite good in a barely recognizable role as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. It was only when she took off the make-up that I recognized her. This one is well worth seeing.

Warning! Don't try to watch this movie without an IQ in excess of 100 and don't try to watch it with your brain... watch it with your heart.

It's clear why this movie didn't appeal to many audiences. It uses uncertainty and ambiguity like a craftsman. It raises more questions than answers. It suggest that a side of life exists that most people rarely suspect much less see.

Harvey Keitel is an unlikely angel hitching his way back to Graceland. The movie illustrates our unwillingness to accept the fact that our world is what we say it is and what we say it isn't.

Hidden in this predictably country and western-flavored, womanizing, motel tour across the southern countryside is an Elvis look-alike that doesn't look like Elvis, but knows things that only Elvis knows, and even wears the same shoe size as Elvis.

And the bottom line... the road less traveled that Elvis clearly steers for each person he encounters is redemption... personal transformation. But then, angels really don't make good entertainment, do they?

Damn fine movie. Will keep you guessing all the way till the end, and perhaps you'll choose not to believe anyways. I was glued to this movie from start to finish, the King will always live on in peoples memories won't he.