Watch Viva Las Vegas

In the '60s, Elvis Presley became one of the most recognizable singers in the world, and he used his fame to star in movies. Some of them were hits, while others weren't able to capture the public's attention. Viva Las Vegas from 1964, starring Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret, and Cesare Danova, was a hit and a favorite among his fans. The movie tells the story of Lucky Jackson, a racecar driver who dreams of winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Viva Las Vegas is a musical, and it's easy to understand why. The score is memorable, and the songs are catchy. The story is a light one, but it's enjoyable nonetheless. Lucky arrives in Las Vegas, driving a shabby car, and with only enough money to race. He meets Rusty Martin, who works as a swimming instructor at the hotel in which Lucky stays. Rusty is a dancer, and Lucky is immediately smitten by her. She, however, remains suspicious of Lucky's intentions. They soon become friends, and Lucky invites her to watch him race. Rusty agrees, but she says that she won't have any romantic involvement with him.

While Lucky and Rusty's story is the main plot of the movie, there are several subplots. One of them involves Lucky's car, which keeps breaking down. This is a great excuse for several musical numbers, something that works well in this type of movie. Another subplot involves Count Elmo Mancini, a wealthy Italian who is also a race driver. He and Lucky are friendly until they realize that they are both competing for the same woman. The rivalry between them is fun to watch, and it adds a bit of spice to the movie.

Ann-Margret's performance in Viva Las Vegas is one of the highlights of the movie. She and Elvis Presley have great chemistry, and their dance numbers are full of energy. There's a scene in which they dance in a pool, and it's one of those moments of movie magic that never gets old. Ann-Margret plays Rusty as a confident yet vulnerable woman who knows what she wants. She's not an idealized woman; she's someone with flaws and insecurities, and that makes her even more attractive.

Elvis Presley's performance is more subdued in comparison to Ann-Margret's. Still, he's a natural performer who knows how to light up the screen. He has a great smile, and his voice sounds as good as ever. Lucky is a likable character who's easy to root for, and his romance with Rusty is sweet. The romantic plot might be predictable, but it's charming nonetheless.

The cinematography in Viva Las Vegas is excellent. The camera captures the city's glitz and glamour, as well as the beauty of the Nevada desert. The race sequences are exciting, and the scenes in which the characters perform are well choreographed. The movie's color palette is bright and vibrant, adding to the fun and joyful mood.

The movie's screenplay is simple but effective. The dialogue is witty, and it's clear that the writer knew how to make the most of Elvis Presley's persona. There's a scene in which Elvis talks about his philosophy of life, and it's both cheesy and endearing. The movie's humor is sometimes silly, but it works because it's never mean-spirited.

In the end, Viva Las Vegas is a fun and entertaining movie. It might not be a masterpiece, but it's a great example of what a musical can be. The chemistry between Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley is palpable, and the musical numbers are memorable. If you're a fan of Elvis Presley or musicals, Viva Las Vegas is a must-watch. It's a movie that captures the spirit of the '60s and serves as a time capsule of sorts.

Viva Las Vegas is a 1964 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 69.