Simply Perfect

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

What so many reviewers are missing is the fact that the two DNA tests that proved inconclusive on the 75 people tested to be Elvis' illegitimate sons (according to the movie), were the characters played with gusto by Kurt Russell and Kevin Costner- they were the possible sons. We never learn where Kurt Russell got that amazing red '57 Cadillac, but it was there for him when he got out of prison. He said his dad died and left him a boat. At the end of the movie, we find out the boat was named Graceland. The license plate on the Caddie read 1KING. The son was Kurt Russell, and possibly Kevin Costner. The two didn't meet in jail but during the DNA testing. This is all stuff the viewer must figure out for themselves, but the clues are there!

Michael Zane (Kurt Russell) meets Cybil (Courteney Cox) and his thieving kid at a desolate motel. He sleeps with her after 5 1/2 years behind bars. Elvis fanatic Thomas Murphy (Kevin Costner), Hanson (Christian Slater), Gus (David Arquette) and Franklin (Bokeem Woodbine) come to pick him up for a job. They set off to rob the Riviera Casino as Elvis impersonators.The movie tries so hard to be an edgy crime drama. It starts from the beginning with the CG scorpion battle. It looks cheesy and bad. There is some shoot em up action but not done that well. Too much slow motion is used. Everything is done aggressively that none of it is that compelling. Demian Lichtenstein is simply not at the upper echelon of directors that this movie needs. The kid is so annoying. Some of the characters act stupidly. None of them are likable and there is no rooting interest. It's a slick crime drama but the style doesn't work.

To enjoy this movie, you need to know what kind of movie to expect going in. Don't expect it to be about Elvis per se, although he does play a large role in the background. So if you came to this movie because you are an Elvis fan you may or may not be disappointed. Also don't expect it to be a polished critical classic like Gone with the Wind. Do expect it to be campy, over-the-top, and fun. Too many people go into the film expecting it to be something it isn't, and that ruins the experience for them.This film is what is known as a cult classic. It did not do well on its initial release, but people have come to appreciate it over time. It is a film to watch when you want to unwind and see some pure entertainment.It has all the elements of a classic late-night guys' popcorn flick. It has lots of guns, action, hot women, hot cars, and the classic showdown between good and evil. It also has a lot of laughs with a bit of quirky randomness. The plot holes are numerous, and the dialogue is sometimes stilted, but for some reason you just don't care, because the film is fun.Kevin Costner gives one of his best performances here (although everything Costner does is pure gold). You will love every scene he is in. Everyone did a great job, but Costner made the movie.One bit of a warning: the opening sequence is really odd, and only becomes clear after you have watched the whole movie, so try to keep an open mind.

3000 Miles to Graceland (2001) This is a tricky film to rate and review. Do I rate it based off of how entertaining it was or do I rate it based on how terrible it is. I guess I'll meet them somewhere in the middle.To start with the positives, 3000 Miles to Graceland is very entertaining and keeps you watching. It has a lot of cool effects and great action sequences, and a relatively decent storyline, though ridiculous in many ways. One other thing I have good to say about it is that it has some pretty good cinematography, not always, but often. With an all star cast like they have (personally I love Costner's character) its hard not give it a chance and I think it deserves people watching it, at least fans of action films.On the other hand, the film is actually pretty terrible. Very bad acting by most of the cast, and a lot of generic and stupid dialog. As I mentioned, it does have a good root idea for the storyline. However, trying to be cool, and more action packed weakened the plot and made the film get worse as it progresses. Top all this off with an obvious and yet unfitting ending and you have 3000 Miles to Graceland.I think a lot of people will like this film if they are going into it looking for a hardcore action film and not looking for an overall good film. It will keep you entertained but I think whether you like it or not you will probably agree that the action is the only thing holding the film together and making it watchable.6/10