Bubba Ho-tep (2002)

[threnody]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0281686/

Did anyone enjoy this? The first time I saw it, it left a strange impression on me that I couldn't shake for a while. Since then it has grown on me. Despite its weirdness, I thought Bruce Campbell did a great job at playing a washed up Elvis impersonator. Everyone I've talked to didn't even recognize him.

Look, man, do I look like an icky-ologist to you? Big damn bugs, all right? The size of my fist. The size of a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

[Killer Bees]

This is in my DVD rental queue, but it must be quite popular because it's under "long wait".

It sounds weird and I only queued it up because it has Bruce Campbell in it.  I'm interested to hear what people thought.

[GrandMaster]

   I was lucky enough to catch this one on the big screen at my local independent theatre, if you are a Bruce Campbell fan this is a must see!

[Derf]

I loved this movie! However, if you are young, you likely won't take away from it what an older person will. The film is more about aging and remaining vital than it is about fighting mummies. Campbell does a great job of portraying an aging Elvis (not an impersonator--see the movie). The movie works pretty well on an action level, but the deeper story is about an old man who has given up finding something to live for. The observations are well written and fun, and the performances are good all around. Definitely see this one.

[threnody]

I loved this movie! However, if you are young, you likely won't take away from it what an older person will. The film is more about aging and remaining vital than it is about fighting mummies. Campbell does a great job of portraying an aging Elvis (not an impersonator--see the movie). The movie works pretty well on an action level, but the deeper story is about an old man who has given up finding something to live for. The observations are well written and fun, and the performances are good all around. Definitely see this one.

I understand the deeper message, but are you saying that he wasn't an impersonator? I'm a little confused.

[peter johnson]

     No, Bruce Campbell plays Elvis Hiself, not an impersonator -- He lets the impersonator die in his place, and assumes a "normal" life.  Watch the extras on the DVD as well -- it's terrific stuff --
     Now, I am of 2 minds as to whether or not Ossie Davis is really JFK -- He sort of goes too far out of his way to make you think he's just a crazy old black man . . . Nah, what am I saying?  Ossie Davis is really JFK too!!
peter johnson/denny crane

[threnody]

I don't know how I missed that. I'm going to watch it again, including the extras. Thanks.

As for Ossie, I'm still convinced he's just a crazy old man who thinks he's been dyed, and that's good enough for me. :P

[dean]

There's a commentary track on my DVD copy which has Campbell doing it as 'The King' in character.  It's great! :-D

Oh and the movie is good too, especially for a low budget film with only a half dozen cast members.

[Joe]

when i saw it i didnt really know how i felt about it and i never have rewatched it thus far, i might just go pick it up for the hell of it.

[sideorderofninjas]

The movie never really gave any evidence of Ossie actually being JFK.  However with Elvis in a nursiing home, it sort makes some deranged sense...

The big problem with Bubba Ho-Tep is that most people thinking it would have Bruce as Elvis more like Ash.  But that's not the fault of the movie...It's more dramatic with Bruce playing Elvis as a man who has squandered his life and has one last chance. 

[Neville]

I loved it, but it caught me off guard, precisely because I was expecting something zannier, and instead it's a rather subtle and sad film. I don't think there are many films out there that deal with getting old as well as this one.

Once I realised what was going on, though, I found it great. Can't believe they did it on a shoestring budget.

[BeyondTheGrave]

I felt like Neville did on this, I was expecting something really far out their and crazy but got something more subdued. Still a great film all around that might take more than a rental to really "get it".

[peter johnson]

" . . . Mr. President, ask not what your nursing home can do for you, but what you can do for your nursing home!" . . .
Whereas Elvis thinks this man to be JFK, then we mere mortals shall not disagree!!
I guess it's worth debating whether or not Ossie Davis really is JFK or not -- I suppose you could write him off as simply a crazy old man, but as he doesn't really give evidence of senile dementia/Alzheimer's or schizophrenia, I'm left with wondering how come he so fully believes himself to be JFK.  He has a firm enough grasp on reality to help Elvis fight the soul-sucking mummy in a meaningful fashion . . . hell, I'm inclined to believe he's Kennedy & that the movie is about hidden heroism and hidden Royalty amongst us -- "Angels Unaware . . ." -- as much as it is aging and loss.
Supernatural mythical Culture Heroes vs. Mythical Supernatural Culture Villian -- really more going on in this little film than first meets the eye, as everyone here agrees --
peter johnson/denny crane

[Torgo]

Awesome movie.

[Darktiger74]

In 2006 at my local Save a Lot I found this movie with the other low price movies. I heard about it before but I didn't pick it up instead I watched it on Friday late night on IFC. It's pretty good movie.