Little Tony DeFranco
05-26-2004, 07:31 AM
I tried to get to the screening of "Bubba Ho-tep" a few months ago in Philly and all the shows were sold out (major disappointment). Dr. Cult-o and I are sure missing the old days of midnight flicks and the smell of popcorn and pot and Lowenbrau beer (before the company was sold to Miller High Life). But now it's "wait for the DVD" and pick up popcorn on the BBusterVid line. The buzz on this flick is fantastic and it is very much deserved because it is just too cool for so many reasons.
Don Coscarelli made "Phantasm" in the late 70's (a classic low budget chiller) and he uses the same elements of fright techniques for "Bubba". Joe R. Lansdale's short story is set in an East Texas old age home where Elvis Presley has been resting for years, a hip injury put him in bed with his walker handy. Elvis ain't dead yet (flashbacks explain) and a few rooms down lives John F. Kennedy (Ossie Davis, in hiding and quite comfortable). The other old folk have been dropping off each night after a spirit of an Egyptian King kills them and steals their souls (Ho-tep goes through their ass). Big E and JFK team up to destroy Ho-Tep before they get a butt-exorcism. Holy Nutty-Buddy!
As strange as this movie is, it is still a good story about former royalty trying to hold on, a reason to live. Three Kings, one a world leader...one a rock icon...the other is a mummy. Cult fav Bruce Campbell is a revelation as Elvis, the performance is perfect (he doesn't sing though) and gives Kurt Russell a run for the reins. Bruce makes the character a full man of wisdom and anger, not wanting to die with regret. The script is full of funny observations about getting old (leering at a young woman giving Old E a bun-shot) and getting one last erection. Davis plays it straight as the now black JFK, good support. Ho-Tep looks like a skeleton with a cowboy hat. Appearances by 'Phantasm' guy Reggie Bannister, sassy black TV mom Ella Joyce as a nurse, 60's TV western guy Larry Pennell as Lone Ranger.
The DVD has a shitload of extras including a voice commentary of the film done by "The King" himself...I laughed my big Browntown Ass off. Gotta get this for my collection, Dr.Cult-o needed a fix and got it. SEQUEL ALERT..goody goody!
http://www.browntownjohnny.com/index.php
Heartbeat is a Love Beat
Don Coscarelli made "Phantasm" in the late 70's (a classic low budget chiller) and he uses the same elements of fright techniques for "Bubba". Joe R. Lansdale's short story is set in an East Texas old age home where Elvis Presley has been resting for years, a hip injury put him in bed with his walker handy. Elvis ain't dead yet (flashbacks explain) and a few rooms down lives John F. Kennedy (Ossie Davis, in hiding and quite comfortable). The other old folk have been dropping off each night after a spirit of an Egyptian King kills them and steals their souls (Ho-tep goes through their ass). Big E and JFK team up to destroy Ho-Tep before they get a butt-exorcism. Holy Nutty-Buddy!
As strange as this movie is, it is still a good story about former royalty trying to hold on, a reason to live. Three Kings, one a world leader...one a rock icon...the other is a mummy. Cult fav Bruce Campbell is a revelation as Elvis, the performance is perfect (he doesn't sing though) and gives Kurt Russell a run for the reins. Bruce makes the character a full man of wisdom and anger, not wanting to die with regret. The script is full of funny observations about getting old (leering at a young woman giving Old E a bun-shot) and getting one last erection. Davis plays it straight as the now black JFK, good support. Ho-Tep looks like a skeleton with a cowboy hat. Appearances by 'Phantasm' guy Reggie Bannister, sassy black TV mom Ella Joyce as a nurse, 60's TV western guy Larry Pennell as Lone Ranger.
The DVD has a shitload of extras including a voice commentary of the film done by "The King" himself...I laughed my big Browntown Ass off. Gotta get this for my collection, Dr.Cult-o needed a fix and got it. SEQUEL ALERT..goody goody!
http://www.browntownjohnny.com/index.php
Heartbeat is a Love Beat