Watch Kids' Reviews of
ELVIS

Elvis is a movie everyone needs to see! One of the greatest biopics is finally here and it does not disappoint. Fans of all generations will love this film for years to come.

Elvis is told from the point of view of Colonel Parker (Tom Hanks) who used to be Elvis's manager. He tells the story of how he met Elvis (Austin Butler) and how the singer took the world by storm. The film covers the years of Elvis's life as a young adult until his passing.

This is an incredible and exciting film. From the opening scene until the credits roll, the movie is a roller coaster of emotions. Austin's performance as the king of Rock n Roll is revolutionary. It's impossible to take your eyes off of him. He truly becomes Elvis with his mannerisms and dancing. Austin's performance is Oscar-worthy, just like the rest of the film. The movie humanizes Elvis, where audiences see him as more than just a performer. It's heartbreaking to see how this larger-than-life legend never lived the life he wanted. The film unites both Elvis fans and non-enthusiasts by showing this icon in a never-before-seen profile. Following Elvis throughout his life and witnessing his love of music made me feel as if he's been a friend of mine for years. Producer/Director/Writer, Baz Lurhmann delivers an incredible film and story here. It is completely engaging, has a perfect mix of modern music and Elvis classics, along with swapping between Elvis and the Colonel's points of view. Archival elements such as newspaper headlines and comic book art are put to good use and the film ends with a video recording of Elvis's last concert. The costumes are spectacular. The scene of Elvis's Las Vegas residency wearing his iconic white suit is beautiful since it looks like the viewers are watching a live performance. This is one movie that you should watch in theaters to capture its greatness. The music blaring; Austin's acting; and the cinematography should be experienced on the big screen.

Elvis offers several themes, but the most important one is to live the life you want to. Elvis's mother warned him of living a life to please others and that he would eventually lose himself, which is exactly what happened. Elvis never lived his life for himself and, in the end, it consumed him.

I give Elvis 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It premieres in theaters June 24, 2022.

By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

A superstar, a revolution, and a change in not only music, but in the world. We all know Elvis Presley from his many hit songs, but who was the man behind the music? Where did he come from? Elvis, starring Austin Butler, will keep you mesmerized as you watch his life unfold, as relationships build and fall apart, and this legend gives the world the music still loved by generations, Elvis exceeded any expectations I had for this rock biopic.

Elvis shares the touching and real story of the King of Rock and Roll from the perspective of his manipulative manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks.) The story starts by revealing how the black musicians that surrounded him in his childhood homes of Mississippi and Memphis inspired him and shaped his sound. When locals start going crazy for this new talent, Parker, in need of a fresh act, goes to hear Elvis sing live at a local radio event. Seeing the potential (musical and financial), Parker begins a complex, self-serving relationship with Elvis, which drives the story forward.

The storyline of this movie is what ultimately sets it apart--instead of following a basic and predictable film plotline, Elvis shows the nonlinear, very human ups and downs of Elvis Presley's career. On the screen, I saw the true story of a man's life. Unlike other films that follow the lives of stars (Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman) Elvis centers around the relationships, and not just between Elvis and the Colonel. We get a close view of his relationships with his family and, more importantly, his fans. The love he received from the enormous crowds was his biggest motivator and director, Baz Luhrmann lets us see it. The lighting, the costumes, the pure joy on every actor's face, and the energy radiating off of the screen was almost tangible.

This film's message is best summed up in a line by B.B. King (Kelvin Harrison Jr.): "If you don't do the business, the business will do you." In other words, if you do not take control over your own life, other things and people will--a lesson Elvis might have learned if he had lived long enough.

I give Elvis 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can see Elvis in theaters June 24, 2022.

By Allison B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

What an incredible biopic Baz Luhrmann has given us. All inspiring and tragic! Tom Hanks's performance as the villainous Colonel Parker is mind-blowing - sensitive and conniving all at the same time. Hats off to the makeup crew for converting our favorite good guy into the bloated persona of Colonel Parker. Austin Butler's portrayal of Elvis is nothing short of marvelous. I read how he emersed himself into this role for two years, to truly take on Elvis' personality and transformations as accurately as possible. And, he does it! When he is on-screen, you can't take your eyes off of him. When he sings, it is as if Elvis has been reincarnated. Olivia DeJonge's portrayal of Priscilla Presley shines as well. The first two hours of this two hour, thirty seven minute film are a romp (for the most part). Then, Elvis' demise and death follow and, even though I knew the outcome, tears flowed down my face seeing his tragic end on the big screen. I told my sister, "if you want to leave happy, leave after the first two hours." That was partly in jest, and partly in truth, because watching this marvel of a man, whose music still outsells any other single artist, fall apart, is truly a tragedy in the greatest sense. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

A thoroughly cinematic drama, Elvis's (Butler) story is seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). As told by Parker, the film delves into the complex dynamic between the two spanning over 20 years, from Presley's rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the significant and influential people in Elvis's life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).