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Bubba Ho-tep (2002)
 Rated: R for language, some sexual content and brief violent images.
Runtime: 92 min.
Director: Don Coscarelli
Writer: Joe R. Lansdale (short story); Don Coscarelli (screenplay)
Cast: Bruce Campbell; Ossie Davis...complete cast
Genre: Comedy/Horror
Tagline: The King of Rock vs. The King of the Dead.
Memorable Quote: "It's been three presidential elections since I've had a hard-on that big."
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| Richard's Reel summary: ...a rare and unique piece of American cinema that rises (through sheer creativity) above its B-movie conventions to take its place among the truly beloved cult hits.....full review |
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by Richard Dennis
Okay, how’s this for a plotline?
Suppose Elvis Presley didn’t die, but switched places with a low rent Elvis impersonator sometime in the mid 70’s.The impersonator dies, and we find the real Elvis wasting away with a bad hip (albeit very much still alive) in an old folks home in Mud Creek, Texas. Add to that an elderly black man who thinks he’s JFK, and a soul-sucking mummy who has come back to life to feed on the residents of the home, and you have the basic premise for the hilarious and wonderful new film Bubba Ho-Tep.
Bubba Ho-Tep is one of those films that just does not come along that often. It’s a rare and unique piece of American cinema that rises (through sheer creativity) above its B-movie conventions to take its place among the truly beloved cult hits that line many of our DVD shelves.
The real magic of Bubba Ho-Tep lies in the fact that it’s not really a horror film. In fact, the whole “mummy” plot actually takes a backseat to the main story of these two men, who must face old demons and even older regrets as they progress into their later years. Bruce Campbell is the star of the show here and he never panders or tosses any wink-winks at the audience. He imbues the character of Elvis with real pathos and emotion. It might be the first truly great Elvis performance (real King or otherwise.) Campbell has been loved by many a cult film fan since the early eighties (Evil Dead anyone?), but his acting here is truly a revelation. Those of us who have followed Campbell’s career devoutly know what a great actor he really is (His Homicide stint, the dramatic X-Files role, etc.) But for those who only know him as Ash from the Evil Dead films are in for a real treat. He is genuinely something to behold in this film.
Ossie Davis provides solid support as...ahem, JFK. He brings real credibility to a part that could have been just a one note joke in the film. His sheer presence help elevate the film to a different plane as well.
Don Coscarelli (Phantasm) directs with his tongue firmly planted in cheek. He never let’s things get too silly or laughable, and that’s where the genius of the film lies as well. He knows when to stand back and let his actors work their magic. For once, a director of this genre isn’t concerned with just getting to the next F/X sequence.
This is a film that will truly stand the test of time and eventually take its place among the cult hits of the decade. It may be hard to find, but is slowly expanding to more and more venues in the next couple of months. If you can, find it. Go. See the best Elvis movie “never” made.
Richard Dennis
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Bubba Ho-tep
Screen formats: Widescreen 1.85:1
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; Closed Captioned.
Language and Sound: English: Dolby Digital 5.1
Other Features: Color; interactive menus; scene access; deleted scenes; audio commentary; behind-the-scenes; photo gallery; trailer.
- Commentaries:
- With director Don Coscarelli and Bruce Campbell. The two cover such issues as casting and production concerns.
- With Bruce Campbell as "The King". The King descibes the film "in character".
- Featurettes:
- The Making of Bubba Ho-tep: discusses such issues as special effects shots, and how the film came about.
- To Make a Mummy: Makeup and SFX featurette. Looks at the issues involved with making the elaborate mummy costume.
- Fit for a King: Elvis costume featurette. Discusses the jumpsuits needed for Bruce Campbell's Elvis character.
- Rock Like and Egyptian: The music of Bubba-Ho-Tep. An interview with composer Brian Tyler.
- Deleted scenes: 3 additional scenes that didn't make the final cut, 2 with optional commentary.
- Music Video: The film's theme song with in-studio footage with Brian Tyler
- Trailer: Original theatrical trailer plus trailers from other great MGM releases.
| Bruce Campbell......... |
Elvis |
| Ossie Davis.......... |
Jack Kennedy |
| Reggie Bannister ........... |
Rest Home Administrator |
| Ella Joyce ........ |
Nurse |
| Heidi Marnhout ........ |
Callie |
| Gabi Ferrer ........ |
Fan at concert |
| Bob Ivy ........ |
Bubba Ho-tep |
| Larry Pennell.......... |
Kemosabe |
| Gigi Fast Elk Porter .... |
Trailer Trash |
| Daniel Roebuck .... |
Hearse Driver |
| Daniel Schweiger. .... |
Barillo |
| Chuck Williams .... |
Good Ol Boy |
| Harrison Young....... |
Bull Thomas |
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