Bubba Ho-Tep
Written: Oct 23 '03 (Updated Oct 25 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Combines the best elements of many genres.
Cons: Can't wait for the sequel
The Bottom Line: If you want to see a film with compelling writing and originality after the tedium of most mainstream movies, this is the real deal!
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| blackeye's Full Review: Bubba Ho-Tep |
A film review by
BlackEye
BUBBA HO-TEP
This wonderful surprise of a film brings back the ultimate Saturday matinee as experienced in the sixties. From the opening, showing dictionary definitions of “Bubba” and “Ho-Tep,” to the old-time newsreels featuring the discoveries of mummies in Egypt told with a German accent, to the inclusion of matinee idol Elvis, brilliantly played by Bruce Campbell, you get the giddy feeling of innocent youth rediscovered.
It seems Elvis didn’t really die. He actually traded places with an Elvis impersonator to rid himself of Col. Parker, hangers-on, and the other entrapments of success. He had fun living the simple life of a John Waters trailer resident, while still getting to play gigs as an impersonator of himself, which by his own assessment, he was already doing anyway. Unfortunately, his hip gave out one night while rockin’ and the fall off the stage (with no punks in the pit to make the catch), began his downward spiral, landing him in an old folks home in East Texas.
Before you can say, “heartbreak hotel, another cheap Elvis parody,” like so many that came before, you realize, it’s not one of those. To the contrary, writer Joe R. Landsdale (with scriptwriter/director Don Coscarelli) takes us on a different path, layered with astute observations on the aging process, loss of dignity, rueful ruminations of regrets, fame, friends, family, and many other aspects of life. The story takes its time, allowing us to reflect on our own experiences, especially those of us on the north side of 50. The subtext adds a depth not found in most exploitation flicks.
Don’t worry. This is no preachy message movie. People in this spacious facility (made in the good old days) begin to disappear at an alarming rate (to the observant residents, anyway). There are glimpses of a scary scarab and a large dark figure that effusively evokes evil. And, in a brilliant casting coup, Ossie Davis as JFK, (don’t ask, although it makes him the first black president, not Bubba Clinton), initiates the investigation by soliciting Elvis’ help. This scene alone is worth the price of admission. Another fabulously inventive scene features Elvis going toe to toe with a giant black flying scarab (possibly a metaphor for the frustration Elvis felt by The Beatles domination of the American music scene while Elvis was making “Elvis Movies.”). There is even a profane “Arnold” moment, when Elvis shares what he would have done with the nurse while in his heyday.
This may be a “B” picture, but it’s damn good looking, and Mr. Coscarelli is an old hand at making a little cash go a long way (starting with Phantasm back in 1979). The effects are fun and do the trick. This is the best twangy soundtrack (by Bryan Tyler) since Ry Cooder’s Paris, Texas. Add a certified scene stealing nurse (Ella Joyce), amusing funeral employees, The Lone Ranger going down firing, a hot daughter, some feisty AARP victims, and a mummy that looks like Lisa Marie’s first husband in Thriller mode, and you’ve got it all. The entire crew exhibits fine craftsmanship.
However, it’s Ossie Davis stature that gives the film presidential power, and Bruce Campbell’s multi-textured, profoundly profane Elvis that moves the story along, and in the end, us as well. His redemption actually produces a bit of emotional outpouring that recalls Shane in a way. The souls of these two great Americans can now rest in peace.
Not only will this film delight the fanatical cults of Coscarelli and Campbell, but it will appeal to the gray gang as well, reminiscent of a simpler time, inspiring them to make the best of their remaining years. There is a little Elvis in all of us. So do not go gently into that dark night. Especially when there is a soul sucking, 8-foot mummy on the loose!
Copyright 2003 by T R Black
Bonus Coverage
Orange County Venue Opens Film in a Big Way
Edward’s University Cinemas, Orange County’s premier art house, opened Bubba Ho-Tep to capacity crowds this weekend (Oct. 3&4). After showing the intoxicating trailer for months and supplying handbills promoting the "event” weekend, the effort paid off with large, amped-up legions of the cognoscenti. Awareness of this film was enhanced by active use of the Internet as a clarion call to this far-out flick. As a matter of fact, it was assistant manager Mike Giamboni, who got wind of the making of this film in it’s early stages via the net and first brought it to the attention of the powers that be within the Regal Organization (corporate owners of Edward’s Cinemas).
Event coordinator, Virginia Gilabert, took the ball from there, and as the release date approached, she made sure that the film opened at the University Cinemas. She oversaw a motivated, artistic staff that prepared the theatre with gala regalia, which when complete, added a distinct air of excitement and anticipation. The entrance to the auditorium looked as though it were an extension of the film. There was an excellent replica of a flying scarab, hand-crafted by Chris Megar, a life-size shadow of Bubba Ho-Tep with creepy marquee lettering by Jesse Valle with help from Dan Rapasky, and a wonderful sarcophagus laid out on a slab by Dan Hawkey. The entire crew was decked-out in either Elvisry or wearing official Bubba Ho-Tep attire provided by a team, including director Coscarelli’s son who was on hand to provide mementos for the avid fans. The stage was set and the staff psyched. All that was left to do was add some star power and let the show begin.
To that end, Ms. Gilabert arranged for the elusive, shy scriptwriter/director Don Coscarelli to make an appearance for the Friday opening and host a Q&A to the delight of the over-flow audience. He was warmly received and is highly admired for his body of work the last 25 years, which includes such classics of the genre as “Phantasm” and “Beastmaster.” He was heartily applauded for his efforts on the highly entertaining “Bubba Ho-Tep” as well. The smiling faces and animated questions elicited insights only the filmmaker could provide. He spoke of how he got his start in the biz, how excited he was to land author Landsdale’s novella and explained how he adapted it to a screenplay. It’s safe to say, that all who attended had a great time. Upon exiting the auditorium, one had to work their way through the long lines waiting for the next showing, also a sell-out. Mr. Coscarelli was thrilled with the big effort by the University staff and all of the excitement they had created. It was well worth the drive to OC to be engulfed by such enthusiasm.
The theatre crew barely had time to get some sleep before meeting the onslaught of filmgoers and fans that continued to besiege the cinema on the following day, in anticipation of the arrival of Bruce Campbell, the matinee idol who plays another matinee idol, Elvis in the film. He did not disappoint. He hosted two fast paced Q&A’s with the wit of a standup comic and the wisdom one who has seen it all. An astute observer, he provided many insights into the film, his career and the industry in general. A resident of a more laid back Oregon; he seemed to bound through the Golden State with the energy of the hip shaker he plays in the film. Although he appeared at LA’s Nu Art the night before, he was fresh and provocative during his visit to OC. He even brought along his son to experience the family matinee tradition.
He was so overwhelmed by the crush of fans between films; he had to take refuge in the projector booth where he posed for pictures with the hard working staff. He voiced his appreciation for all they had done to make this a memorable experience for him and his son. Unfortunately, he had to depart for San Diego for other whirlwind commitments, because the line for the 3rd showing was around the block as well and those fans would surely have appreciated a chance to listen to their film idol.
At the end of a long weekend of sold out crowds and star power appearances, everyone involved was in need of a long rest. The conclusion by all who were queried was that Edward’s University Art House was a great place to open a creative film. The combination of a gracious staff that goes the extra mile to add event-level ambience to the auditorium and the rabid fans in OC that will show up when stimulated, is a quality sorely lacking in most “business-as-usual” multiplexes. This exhibitor is one who still appreciates and honors the 50’s tradition of creating an environment conducive to the “must see” movie experience.
Excerpts from the Bruce Campbell Q&A
Audience Member: Did you improvise the story as you went along?
Bruce Campbell: No. We stuck to the script, which stayed so close to Joe Landsdale’s novella that even he likes the film, which is unusual in Hollywood today. As you know from most of my films, strong writing is not the foremost reason to see ‘em. This was the best writing I have had the chance act on.
AM: Did you have extensive training in the art of Elvis Impersonation?
BC: Not exactly. An excellent Elvis impersonator was hired to teach me, but after 45 minutes, he gave up, saying, “ Just do whatever you want man, you’re hopeless.”
AM: What was the hardest part of making the film?
BC: Definitely the 2 1/2 hours of makeup every morning and the hour to remove it at day’s end.
AM: How did you get the part?
BC: Don Coscarelli was talking to Sam Raimi about Landsdale’s script and Raimi said I was perfect for the part of Elvis. He agreed and I was in.
AM: How was the producer able to get Ossie Davis?
BC: It wasn’t easy. We called his people and they said “no.” We asked if they could just slip him the script to see what he thought and they said “no.” We argued that he just might like the role and they said, “No, he won’t.” So, through secret channels we got the script to him and he said, “Yes, of course. I’d love to do it.” It was a real coup because he really adds gravitas and credibility to the entire effort.
AM: Have Priscilla or Lisa Marie seen or commented on the film?
BC: Not to our knowledge. But we hope that if they do happen to view it that they would appreciate it in the spirit of our vision that he went out swinging at the end. A hero.
AM: Are you getting a bigger role in the upcoming “Spiderman 2?”
BC: It remains to be seen. But what could be more important than being the guy who gave him his moniker “Spiderman” like I did in the original. Without that name, the whole film falls apart…
Me: According to the IMDB you have been a prolific actor
BC: (interrupts the question) Don’t believe everything you read on the net. Only about 80% is true.
Me: Be that as it may, considering your wide body of work, you must have spent a lot of time in Hollywood. During that time, did you have the occasion to be groped by Arnold Schwarzenegger?
BC: Yes, yes I did. On many occasions. It was quite disturbing…
BC: If that’s all the questions Irvine, this has been a pleasure. Thank you. Thank you very much. (Elvis-like)
Copyright by T R Black 2003
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
blackeye
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Location: So Cal
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 6 members
About Me:
Current Member of: Motion Picture Sound Editors; Review for: NOHO>LA, paper, Z Review, online
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