Jailhouse Rock

Pros: The "evil" Elvis, scourge of parents everywhere, reigns for most of the film.
Cons: But then he "sees the light" in the movie's last ten minutes.

When Elvis and his swiveling hips first burst onto the nationwide scene in 1956, many parents were horrified. Here's this leering, yowling ruffian making suggestive moves on stage and stirring up nasty thoughts in our daughters' minds, they thought. ...

Pros: story, soundtrack, direction, casting
Cons: some unnecessary moralizing

"Jailhouse Rock" is probably Elvis Presley's best film. He plays an ex-convict struggling to becoming a star as a pop singer. His business partner and would-be girlfriend is Judy Tyler. Presley's character achieves fame and fortune as a...

Pros: Elvis, the music, the cinematography, the attitude.
Cons: Somewhat cliched storyline - not sure about the medical accuracy.

If you've ever seen "Jailhouse Rock," you'll never again question Why Elvis Matters. Banish all thoughts of the bloated Vegas headliner and behold the young, genuinely dangerous Presley, circa 1957, sneering his way through his third movie role. In a...

Pros: great music, not bad acting, classic Elvis
Cons: May seem slow going or overly moralistic for those with 21st century dispositions.

I've never been to Graceland, never took that trip, I'd rather think of Elvis as that crazy Memphis kid...

Thus goes Charlie Sexton's classic song about Elvis. And, if you're one of those Elvis fans that likes the rough, tough, recently truck-driving Elvis then this movie is for you. Considered to be the King's best film, he certainly pulls it off, largely because he's pretty much playing himself: a tough little guitar man that wants to make it big and doesn't want to play by the rules.

The score is nothing short of classic, including the immortal title track 'Jailhouse Rock', plus 'Treat Me Nice' and 'I Wanna Be Free'. For those already devoted to the King, this is a must see. For those just trying on their blue suede shoes, this can be a good introduction.