Customer Reviews

Elvis Has Left the Building

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I didn't think much of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but I liked this movie a lot. I bought it yesterday at this writing for 5 bucks at a local video store, and found myself laughing a lot. I don't know if it helps not to be an Elvis fan, but even if you are, let's admit it: there are too many knockoffs of the King running around--lots of them truly as bad as what are portrayed in this offering--and as Basinger's character says in the end, he's probably not too happy about it.

I became a Basinger fan when I saw the movie Nadine back in 1987, and it's wonderful to see her in another romantic comedy. Even better this time, because there isn't a bunch of swearing. I think the last good comedy I saw her in was My Stepmother is An Alien, and that was laugh-out-loud funny too. This one's been long overdue, and she is just wonderful in it as Pink Lady sales rep Harmony Jones. I would also like to point out that the woman is still a gorgeous knockout for her age--even better than most of today's younger starlets. Her character is amusingly glam looking, yet clean cut, completely feminine, and that's what makes her comedic performance twice as good. Corbett makes a handsome match for her as he, as well as the FBI, chases her around the country--both of them driving great looking convertibles--and the romance has a sweet clean, almost yesteryear appeal that you won't be afraid to let your older relatives watch.

Joel Zwick came up with a great concept here; Elvis impersonators getting killed off at random in some very silly and hilarious ways everytime Harmony gets within 3 feet of them, and a love affair Harmony keeps running from because she thinks Corbett is another Elvis impersonator when, in fact, it's his estranged wife (Denise Richards). I have to admit I wasn't expecting much when I bought it off the bargain rack, but was pleasantly surpirsed last night. It's not deep, it's not earth shattering, but it's the most clean fun I've had in a long time, and I recommend it highly no matter what your age. Also, if you like Basinger in comedy roles using her natural Georgia-born accent, you will like her and Jeff Bridges in Nadine.

First, I rented this movie; then I ordered a copy for my personal collection. I liked it that much. If you're a fan of The King, you will want to see it; if you're not (how could you?), it still has a better storyline and more humor than much of what does make it to the big screen.
Kim Basinger also graced the film with her combination of beauty and a talent for comedy not seen since "Nadine" or "My Stepmother Is An Alien". She should do this more often.

Nowadays, it is rare that a movie is produced which doesn't have shooting, cursing, and overt sex in it. This movie was a wonderful return to how movies were once made. I applaud the film industry for giving us a more innocent & fun film for those of us who are more mature adults (over 35). Loved it!

When I rented this movie I hadn't even heard of it, after reading about it, it had a lot of familar actors so I couldn't resist. I thought it was so cute! I love about her being a pink lady saleswoman and Elvis impersonators seem to "drop like flies" whenever she's around. All in all it was a funny movie but with kind of a dark sense of humor but none the less enjoyable.

What a movie. I really did enjoy it. Bought it because Tom Hanks was in it and it was funny to see his cameo appearence.

In spite of the title, this is not a gay porno movie. Kim Basinger plays a "Pink Lady" (Mary Kay) cosmetic sales lady who had met Elvis as a child. During her recent travels Elvis impersonators die around her from freak accidents. She falls in love with John Corbett (love at first sight) who she believes is also an Elvis impersonator because he carries around an Elvis suit which belongs to his soon to be ex-wife Denise Richards. The acting is pure ham, such as in Mars Attacks. The accents are overly done. The FBI agents hunting the pair are comical. The concept is original. The cast is full of stars. The dialogue is so-so, perhaps the weakest aspect of the movie. The Elvis impersonators were so bad, you wanted them to die. Thank you. Thank you very much.

I said it before, "I love movies"! They take me away from myself for a while. If you knew me, THAT is a HUGE gift! :>)

i love this movie the best part was the end. i had thought it would have been an old fart movie but its not! Loved It! great comedy.
one thing every one will enjoy!

You may not remember his name, but Zoel Zwick is the guy who directed a big hit named 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding.' All right, now you know it, and 'Elvis Has Left the Building' is his follow-up, which was released straight-to-video in America. If you never heard about the film, it's no surprise because, for all good acting from the stars, the film is embarrassingly bad.

The comedy features Kim Basinger and John Corbett. Basinger, clad in pink, is delightful to see as Harmony Jones, cosmetic saleslady of Pink Lady, who travels around riding a pink cadillac. The life of Harmony has been stragely linked to Elvis Presley, but today troubles seem to follow her everywhere, for every time Harmony meets Elvis impersonaters, they all drop dead in ridiculously silly way.

So, while FBI chases the lady in pink, Miles Taylor, bored excetive of advertizement company, happens to meet her, and falls in love. Harmony also likes him, but after misunderstanding that Taylor is another Elvis lookalike (meaning another dead body), Harmony runs away. In this way, Taylor and FBI chases her, and the story finally leads the characters to Las Vegas, where a convention for Elvis impersonaters is going to be held.

The concept is silly, but not bad itself. The problem is how to put it into practice. Though the two stars are very charming and likable, the inept direction killed the joyfully romantic mood between them, which is the greatest thing in the film. Instead, director throws so many unnecessary elements into the film -- too many flashbacks about Harmony's childhood, unfunny conversations over phone between Corbett and Sean Astin (yes, that's him from 'LOTR'); simply annoying Denise Richards wearing Elvis-wig (I'm not kidding); and awfully familiar 'comic' dialogues between two FBIs, or a gay receptionaist and them. It is unaccountable that while the film insists on showing these scenes, none of which are particularly good, John Corbett has to spend considerable time in a car trunk (don't as me how).

[CAMEO of TOM HANKS!!!] There are some cameos, and all of them are funny -- see Richard Kind as 'Burning Elvis', David Leisure as 'Hole-in-the-Head Elvis,' and Tom Hanks as 'Letterbox Elvis.' Hanks appears only twice, second time during the end credits, so don't miss it. Plus, guest appearances from Pat Morita, Angie Dickinson, and Annie Potts.

Besides the natural charms of Basinger and Corbett, and the film's sporadically funny moments, the soundtrack is wonderful, which includes lots of Elvis songs. Some are original versions, some remixed-originals, others covers, and all fantastic.

If you like Kim Basinger, you might find the film pretty good with her delectable comic acting. If only the film's director had decided on making much use of her talent.

I must admit that I have never have, nor ever will be an Elvis fan, but there is something about this movie that just appeals to me. Its funny, light and sweet, something that comedies just seem to missing these days. Not as hardcore as Wedding Crashers, yet not as beautifully romantic as My big Fat Greek Wedding, Elvis has left the building stands in a genre all its own.

Don't miss at least renting and watching this movie..........its sure to make you laugh in the end at least. Sean Astin, John Corbett, and Kim Basinger...........well I can't say much for Basinger, but I can tell you that the former two where absolutly wonderful.

Try it, you just may be suprised.