Gary R

Well, you have to see the film. As a moviegoer and one who grew up watching Elvis live, I agree with others who feel the film missed out on the chance to use more of Elvis’ music. And, at 2 hrs and 39 minutes, it was all entertainment from start to finish. But, personally, my biggest beef (and this goes against other reviews I’ve read, I know) is Austin Butler; while his portrayal of Elvis is great, I walked out feeling his work was more a very good impression of Elvis in front of the camera, and not so much connecting with the viewer (I.e., me). Kind of like Ryan Gosling, who played a great piano in La La Land but did it by learning maybe 10 songs in 6 months and doesn’t play in real life. I walked out of this movie with one of those feelings you can’t put your finger on, and now I realize that was it. Did I feel I wasted my money? Absolutely not, and I’ll see it again just to see some detail I missed the first time (which will make the producers very happy). But I thought Tom Hanks just did a good job of holding Austin Butler up in the film. And I don’t think Austin deserves a consideration for an Oscar, but considering what else is out there this year, he probably will get in the conversation. Thanks for reading.