Even though lots has been written about The King of Rock and Roll since he died 45 years ago in 1977, this year’s Elvis biopic staring Auston Butler presents a massively entertaining and unique perspective on his life and times. The early reviews I read bashed Tom Hanks portrayal of Colonel Tom Parker, and after seeing the movie, I somewhat agree with his plodding portrayal of the wizard behind The King’s money making machine. No matter… this was a story about the love Elvis had for bringing joy to people through song and dance.

Here is link to Rotten Tomatoes write up.

The most profound element of the movie for me was the color-blindness of Elvis, and his earnestly delicate stance on the volatile racism that shook the States in the Fifties and Sixties. Through one great scene after another, the movie built the case that Elvis saw all people equal and was groundbreaking in blending black soul music with white country and teen pop. He truly paved the way for the melting pot that followed in fashion, music and pop culture.

My favorite scene is when Elvis seeks out a young B.B. King in downtown Memphis to forget about the noise all around him and get back to his roots and jam. The B.B. King character, as well as Little Richard, is a wonderfully welcome addition.

I also got excited seeing the passion Elvis brought to the stage… crazy raw emotion.  The first Las Vegas stint was off the chart power. The great ones always reinvent themselves time and time again.

The attention Elvis music is getting from people young and old is fantastic to see. The remixes are fun.  I just heard that Sofia Coppola has another Elvis movie in the works focused on Priscilla Presely (click here for that).

There is only one King!