Opened: June 24, 2022

Directed by: Baz Luhrmann

Starring: Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge, Helen Thomson, Richard Roxburgh, Kelvin Harrison Jr., David Wenham, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Luke Bracey, Dacre Montgomery, Leon Ford, Gary Clark Jr., Yola, Natasha Bassett, Xavier Samuel, Adam Dunn, Alton Mason, Shonka Dukureh, Sharon Brooks, Nicholas Bell, Chaydon Jay, Josh McConville & Kate Mulvany

In the sweeping biopic on the King of Rock and Roll, Baz Luhrmann’s erratic style and lead Austin Butler’s performance combine to create an incredible production.

Elvis Presley (Butler) was raised loving music made by the southern black community. When Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) hears him perform, he takes advantage of the performer’s once-in-a-lifetime talent. Over the years, Elvis abuses alcohol and drugs.

Though the film runs close to three hours, the audience will hardly notice it. The music is well intertwined, especially when soul artists – like “Hound Dog” singer Big Mama Thornton (Shonka Dukureh) – get their time to shine. By the time Elvis performs “If I Can Dream,” you’ll be in tears.

Though Hanks’ performance is distracting at times, Butler is the perfect Elvis from his voice down to his movements.

Final say: Can’t help falling in love. ★★★★☆