Have you been watching any of that Elvis movie marathon on TCM?

[book_worm]

I have to admit I kinda like VIVA LAS VEGAS.

[Bryan]

1. It kinda sneaks up on you, doesn't it?

Blogger Todd Alcott sums it up better than I can:

http://toddalcott.livejournal.com/2007/01/08/

"Elvis plays someone very much like himself, so there isn't that awkward Elvis/reality schism. He sings, all-in-all, wonderful songs opposite real actors. He explodes off the screen. He is sexy, hot-headed, dynamic, graceful and bursting with energy. The direction and editing have zazz and pluck. In Viva Las Vegas, he even stars opposite a woman who can hold the screen with him. They are superlative entertainments and, more importantly, they are excellent showcases for Elvis's talent. Viva Las Vegas also gets a gold star for being the one 'Elvis Movie' that shows that the whole idea of an 'Elvis Movie' can work as entertainment.

By 'Elvis Movie' I'm speaking of a classically stupid, unbelievable, nonsensical concept that exists simply as an excuse for Elvis to sing, do something 'exciting' (usually in front of obvious rear-screen projection) and kiss pretty girls. In the case of Viva, for instance, Elvis is a singing race-car driver who has to choose between wooing Ann-Margret and winning the big race. See? You wouldn't go to see that movie. That's a stupid idea for a movie. It is, in fact, a retarded idea for a movie. Imagine, if you will, George Clooney starring as a singing race-car driver who must choose between wooing Ann-Margret and winning the big race. You couldn't get that movie made today. But it makes perfect sense as an Elvis Presley movie and is the model for the genre."

[cmkramer]

4. "Viva Las Vegas" is a great movie.

Another one of my favorite Elvis movies is "King Creole" which is a drama. He didn't do much singing in it.

I've read that Elvis hated doing the movies because he also saw that they were formulaic and not very good and he really wanted to be taken seriously as an actor. Supposedly Barbra Streisand wanted him for her re-make of "A Star is Born" and he wanted to do it, but The Colonel priced him out of the movie.

[texanwitch]

2. One of my housemates is a big Elvis fan, she has been glued to her TV watching

and recording the Elvis movies.

I am not a Elvis fan, never was.

I can't watch his movies anymore, they are just to silly.

[edbermac]

3. Elvis was in Viva Las Vegas?

I didn't even notice.

[MotorCityMan]

6. Really; didn't that star Ann-Margret?

Hell, I may be gay, but young Ann-Margret is HOT!!! She lights up the screen in "Viva Las Vegas", "Bye Bye Birdie", and "Kitten With s Whip" (MeOW!!!)

My partner does this hilarious impression of "Ann-Margrock" from "The Flintstones", which I think she did the voice for ("I love you but, I ain't gonna be your fool...")

[DemocratSinceBirth]

5. Voila

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdUbcOFET58