“Elvis” opens Rotten Tomatoes with 88% critical approval; check reviews

The biopic of Baz Luhrmann about Elvis Presley arrives in theaters only in July, but has already had its first screening held at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival this week. And in the end, the feature not only drew praise from those who have watched it, but also from critics, who guaranteed it an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The story that investigates the complex dynamics between Presley (Austin Butler) and his manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) over 20 years, since the rise of Elvis from fame to unprecedented stardom, was defined by general consensus as “The standard biopic rock formula gets all shaken up in ‘Elvis’, with Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling energy and style perfectly complemented by Austin Butler’s outstanding lead performance”.

Check out some opinions about “Elvis”:

“Luhrmann shows us the real Elvis, or is he just edging the Elvis that already lives in our imaginations? The answer seems to be that Luhrmann sees equal value in fact and myth.” – Stephanie Zacharek, TIME Magazine.

“A cursory look at The King, but a great time nonetheless.” – Anna Bogutskaya, Little White Lies.

“When Austin Butler rocks his hips at Elvis’ first show like rock ‘n’ roll, it’s like seeing two stars being born.” – Philip De Semlyen, Time Out.

“Complaining that ‘Elvis’ is basically a compilation of musical-biographical conventions is a bit like complaining about a greatest hits album; it also loses… [de Luhrmann] to infuse clichés with sincerity, energy and feeling.” – Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times.

“There’s enough energy and flash… to overcome most criticism, and Butler throws himself into a performance that’s wildly physical but never caricatured or disrespectful.” – Steve Pond, The Wrap.

“It’s obviously too early to call these things, but I’d be surprised if Elvis wasn’t a prominent factor in the upcoming Oscar race.” – Zhuo-Ning Su, Awards Daily.

“Butler shines like a rhinestone jumpsuit in this role as he nails Elvis’ signature twang, cadence, physicality and swiveling stage presence.” – Luke Heartfield,
Next Best Film.

“Baz Luhrmann’s loving homage to the EP, told through Hanks’ unreliable narration as Colonel Tom. Austin Butler is a revelation and, through his use of kinetic music style, vitalizes Presley’s inherent excitement and perhaps his ongoing legacy. .” – Jason Gorber, That Shelf.

“Elvis” explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The plot delves into the complex dynamics between the duo over 20 years, from the King of Rock’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and America’s loss of innocence. At the center of this journey is one of the most important and influential people in the life of Elvis, Priscilla Presleylived by Olivia DeJonge (“The Society”).

The cast still has David Wenham (“Top of the Lake”), Richard Roxburgh (“Moulin Rouge – Love in Red”), Dacre Montgomery (“Stranger Things”), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“At nightfall”), Luke Bracey (“Until the Last Man”) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“Attack of the Dogs”).

“Elvis” hits Brazilian theaters on July 14.