Top Elvis Movies to Rent This Weekend
Elvis Presley was better known as a singer and entertainer but he also worked in films. In his lifetime, Elvis made 33 films; 31 were feature films and 2 were documentaries about his life as a performer. Although most of his films were box office successes, almost all of them were panned by many critics. But really, who cares? If you’re watching an Elvis film, would you really mind? Here are some of the top Elvis movies you might want to rent on video night:
Viva Las Vegas
Elvis means Vegas and Vegas, of course, means Elvis. ‘Viva Las Vegas’ is arguably the best of the films Elvis made after he was discharged from the Army. This is pure Vegas entertainment; glitzy, glossy and full of bubble gum fun. Elvis plays a race car driver opposite Ann Margaret’s character. The plot is lean (it’s an Elvis movie, remember?) but just sit back and enjoy the songs, dance, race car scenes and the incomparable Elvis-Ann Margaret chemistry.
King Creole
If you want the film that had the least bad reviews, this is the Elvis movie you should watch. In fact, this is probably the movie that gave us a peek at the talent behind the emerging legend that is Elvis. Originally intended for James Dean, the lead role that Elvis played showed his acting prowess best. It is another musical (we’re not sure if the studio was playing it safe at the time or merely capitalizing on what Elvis did best) but it has its great moments. Based on the novel ‘A Stone for Danny Fisher’ by Harold Robbins, King Creole can be a little bit over-the-top at times but it is an enjoyable movie starring Elvis in a serious role.
Jailhouse Rock
Elvis goes to jail! If you want the raw ‘56 or ‘57 Elvis with the pencil pants, this should give you a good look at a man during the first precious stages of his entertaining ability and good looks. He plays Vince Everett, a young man who goes to prison for accidentally killing another man in a brawl. The prison is where Vince learns to sing and play the guitar, with a little help from his cellmate.
After his release, he decides to use his new-found talent and become a professional singer and performer. This is the movie with that famous ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘You’re So Square’ musical performances. You’ll love the songs in this film and Elvis, of course, along with his equally pretty lead actress. Although you’ll find a colorized version of the film, try the black and white version to appreciate the original effect.
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