The Cover

As played by Ossie Davis, this JFK is regal and staid, but he's also something of an ass kicker. There's no way that some dead dusty guy covered in bandages is going to take over the home. So JFK and Elvis team up to prevent just that from happening.

Sure, it's a bit thin for a plot of a movie - at least it appears that way - but there's a large chunk missing from the description. Because in a very real way, Bubba Ho-tep is about growing old, being forgotten, and being discarded like human refuse. The strange thing about the film is that it's not just another instant cult film. The film has an emotional resonance that goes beyond silly action-horror. Although you won't exactly cry during Bubba Ho-Tep, you'll feel a connection with an old, fat, Elvis punching a mummy, and you'll understand the anger and excitement in growing old.

Bruce is really great and gives a more nuanced performance (despite the fact that he's playing a huge, Elvis with giant be-dazzled aviator glasses.) His longing for his life left behind is actually tangible, and it definitely leaves you to wonder if maybe this is indeed the way that Elvis is living now, because he was tired of his life and tired of his life of luxury.

But if the movie was all contemplation and reflection, I don't suspect that I'd be too interested in such a weird thing. Because at it's heart, it's a movie about kicking mummy ass. The two men triumph over their own infirmities in order to conquer evil. There's not much more joyful than that.

Movie Grade: A-

Video: 4 out of 5
It's nice, but purposefully grainy. The colors run from deep browns to bright yellows, with little play in between. A very monochromatic looking film.
Widescreen Anamorphic - 1.85:1

The posse

Audio: 5 out of 5
A great grade, especially considering the indie roots. The surrounds get plenty of workout, with no scarab beetle scurry left unheard.
English (Dolby 5.1)

Extras: 4 out of 5
The commentaries: the track with Bruce and director Don Coscarelli is not to be missed. They cover all the bases of making an independent film, and in that way is a perfect companion to the Evil Dead commentaries. The "Bruce as Elvis" track isn't great, but I guess it'd be hard to Vamp as Elvis for an hour and a half. The Making of Bubba Ho-tep is 25 minutes of pretty good behind the scenes, and gives some great information about the genesis of the project. Next are three featurettes which run about 20 minutes total, and cover the mummy creation, Elvis costumes and the music in the film. One of my favorite extras has the writer of the short story (Joe Lansdale) reading his very graphic (and funny) first section of Elvis vs. The Mummy. I'll never look at Elvis's twig and berries the same way. Finally, there are a few scattered and short deleted scenes, and some galleries.

Overall: 4 out 5
Bubba Ho-tep is the perfect combination of a film with some great work by Bruce and Ossie, and culty-action-horror. Recommended for all die-hard horror fans, and those who love to see Campbell camp it up.

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