I never thought that I would live to see the day when both Elvis Presley and JFK, together in a movie and kicking ass against some ancient being. This is truly the greatest time in our lives and I don’t care if this is just a work of fiction, I have just lost the ability to distinguish between reality and fiction. Bubba Ho-Tep is a movie that is pure B Grade goodness and full of things that will make it an instant cult classic. I love a good absurd film, hell, this one is about a absurd as any movie can get, but when you take the premise of Elvis and JFK living in retirement homes and battle occult powers, you know you have a good time on your hands. But through all the karate chopping, JFK conspiracies, and some mommy taking the souls of the elderly, you actually have a movie that aims to make a point about the elderly and their premium that we put on youth. Yes, Bubba Ho-Tep is about the problems of old age and being remembered fondly for our life, instead of just being put away like they don’t matter anymore. Deep shit man.
Resting in the confines of a Mud Creek, TX, nursing home after fading into obscurity following his departure from the limelight, an aging and embittered Elvis (Bruce Campbell) befriends a delusional patient named Jack (Ossie Davis) who claims to be John F. Kennedy. It seems that at the height of his popularity Elvis had switched identities with a convincing double, and, upon the death of the substitute, missed his chance to reclaim his former fame. Despite his anger at never having made a comeback, Elvis finds a new reason to live when Jack tips him off to an evil mommy that is feasting on the souls of hapless nursing home inhabitants. Before long the geriatric duo must muster the strength to fend off the malevolent soul sucker lest they ultimately fall prey to the fearsome Bubba Ho-Tep (Bob Ivy). ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Bruce Campbell is my hero. There is no doubt in my mind that Bruce is one of the best actors around. Sure, he not snagging Oscar’s or awards or some other statue that might have some significance, but that man is a legend amongst his fans. It’s fantastic to see him in a non-Ash role and getting to see him play a very solemn Elivs Presley. Ossie Davis will forever be remembered as one of the best JFK’s around. Which is sad since he will be remembered for starring in Bubba Ho-Tep and probably remembered for his role as JFK instead of some his other roles in movies like Do The Right or even a nice role in Grumpy Old Men. Still, playing a black man claiming to be JFK is pretty ingenious, even with a little conspiracy theory back story thrown in for good measure.
While the film is geared towards more cult comedy and action, Bubba Ho-Tep actually makes a very observation about the elderly and how we sometimes forget about them as people. Nursing homes are generally a place where the elderly are placed and forgotten about. It’s a sad reality and the people in the home are meant to the be the only family that they have. Unusual bonds are formed and through everything, they at least have one another for support. Which is a good thing since they have to battle a mummy/demon thing and kill it before it does them in.
The movie has some laughs, some moments and is a solid good time with Campbell’s elderly Elvis, which is pretty damn impressive, and Davis with his conspiracy theory spouting JFK. This is a movie that was destined to be a cult favorite which is fine by me. Bruce Campbell is truly the poster boy for these sort of pulpy movies and he does a great job embracing the roles he takes and making it his own. It’s a pretty convincing Presley I must admit, but that doesn’t overshadow the Black JFK, which I get a chuckle out of when Davis is explaining that he was put back together and dyed black to avoid another assassination. If you have never seen this flick, it’s a must for me. It’s go the right amount of wackiness and also humor to make you chuckle and enjoy the movie. Then for those need some monster action and general badassery, this has it as well.
