Watch Elvis

As the world continues to be captivated by the enduring legend of Elvis Presley, a brand new biopic called "Elvis" was released in 2022 to chronicle the rise of the King of Rock and Roll. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the film boasts an impressive cast that includes Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, and Olivia DeJonge. Set in the 1950s and 60s, "Elvis" is a powerful retelling of the life of one of the most iconic entertainers of the 20th century. The movie follows the young Elvis (Austin Butler) as he navigates his early years in the music industry, swaying to the rhythms of rockabilly, country gospel, and blues. Elvis is shown initially as a shy artist with a powerful voice and immense talent which is recognized later on in the movie. Elvis Presley's big break in the industry comes when he is discovered by legendary producer Sam Phillips (Tom Hanks), a man known for his work with other greats like Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.

From there, the movie kicks into high gear as Elvis takes center stage with a forceful magnetism that electrifies audiences everywhere he performs. He embraces the style of the time period with his swaying hips and also introduces to the world a new type of music which was never heard before. The movie also showcases some of the toughest challenges faced by the young artist, such as the pressures of premature fame, public scrutiny, and overcoming prejudices against his brand of music.

Throughout "Elvis," Tom Hanks' Sam Phillips provides the film's emotional heart. He clearly loves and believes in Elvis, and the scenes between him and the young artist are among the most moving of the entire film. Phillips also serves as an authority figure, someone whose judgment and approval provide a great deal of validation to the young King of Rock and Roll.

Meanwhile, Olivia DeJonge plays Priscilla Presley, Elvis's future wife, whose scenes with Austin Butler capture the couple's magnetic attraction and the volatility of their relationship, from a chance meeting at a party to Elvis serving in the army in Germany. Her character adds depth to the story as we see Elvis through her eyes.

As the film moves into its third act, it tackles the more complicated aspects of Elvis's life, including his struggle with substance abuse and his relationship with his controlling manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by Luke Bracey). These portions of the film are handled with sensitivity and nuance, allowing the movie to explore the darkness without losing sight of the light.

Overall, "Elvis" is a triumph of a biopic. The film portrays the King of Rock and Roll in all his glory and flaws while navigating the audience through his journey to global stardom. The music is exceptional, the acting is outstanding, and the direction is superb. Baz Luhrmann's vision brings 1950s Memphis to life in a way that is both authentic and magical, and serves as an homage to the man who changed the face of music forever.

In conclusion, "Elvis" is a must-see for fans of the King and anyone who loves great movies. Austin Butler's portrayal of Elvis is stunning, and it is easy to see why he was chosen for such an iconic role. Tom Hanks and the rest of the cast provide solid support, but it is Butler who shines brightest, embodying the spirit and charisma of Elvis Presley in every frame of the film.

Elvis is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 64.