S. Ligon

I want to be painfully honest here: this movie should've been called Parker. The movie gives a sprinkling of truth, with a lot of additional seasoning that almost masks any reality. As a lifelong Elvis fan, I was ready to harshly critique Austin Butler, but I can't. He did an amazing job of portraying the larger than life Elvis, and was the high point of the movie. On the other hand, Tom Hanks seemed to be channeling his character in The Ladykillers. Which, had the movie been appropriately titled, would have been ok. However, the trailers and title of the movie gave the impression that Elvis would be front and center. All of the confusion and distaste for this film could have been resolved, even expected, if the title of the movie had been different. I could've gone into the theater, sat thru the 2 hour and 39 minute film, and walked out having thoroughly enjoyed the Elvis bits while being rightfully repulsed by Colonel Tom Parker. Instead, I find myself feeling that, once again, the King has been exploited for the benefit of anyone but the King. Ok, go see the movie and enjoy Austin Butler's performance, but don't go expecting to see a truthful movie about Elvis's life. Go prepared to see a greasy tale about the ugly man behind the curtain, Colonel Tom Parker.