BUBBA HO-TEP

I have this rule about film festivals. If there's a movie starring Bruce Campbell, GO SEE IT! At the very least, you're always going to get a good laugh out of Campbell flick.

I had heard very little about the new movie Bubba Ho-tep. Most of what I knew, I picked up on aint-it-cool-news. It sounded pretty damn funny. When I found out it was playing at CineVegas, I knew I had to attend.

So I get into the theater and take a seat in front of the one and only Harry Knowles. Harry, you looked very rested. I really enjoyed our movie chat. You truly are an inspiration to movie geeks all over the world.

We were the first audience to see a screening of this movie. In fact, director Don Coscarelli (of Phantasm fame) reported that the film had just been finished about a week ago.

Describing Bubba Ho-tep is no easy task. It's a comedy, but it's also a horror film. And a very bizarre one at that. This is sort of a throwback to those great comedy/horror flicks of the 80's (think Creepshow , An American Werewolf in London, and of course, Evil Dead 2). Coscarelli does a perfect job meshing the two genres. One moment I was laughing my ass off, and the next, I was seriously creeped out.

The kicker here, is that this movie has a lot of character. Bubba Ho-tep takes place present day at a retirement home in Texas. Bruce Campbell is an aging Elvis Presley, a crotchety old timer who passes the time reminiscing about the good old days. Yes, his life is winding down, but that all changes when a fellow resident claims an evil Egyptian force is offing old folk in their building. Did I mention that the fellow resident is JFK? He's played with absolute charm by veteran Ossie Davis (no I'm not kidding). The two become quick friends and unlikely heroes as they do battle with the uninvited intruder. Yes, this is a mummy picture, but a much better one than those Stephen Sommers flicks starring Brendan Frasier. This is far more entertaining.

In a nutshell, Bubba Ho-tep is pure fun. It's hilarious and very creative. This is the ultimate midnight movie. The entire audience was constantly laughing.

Campbell is a picture perfect Elvis. As usual, the actor seems to be having a total blast. But this isn't a mere throwaway part. Campbell adds heart and humanity to the role. While this is a comedic performance, he throws in a tad of drama for good measure. Davis is also terrific and he and Campbell have perfect chemistry.

Coscarelli and his team have created one unique movie experience. This flick is energetic and consistently entertaining. If I have any problems at all, it's with the ending. I guess I wanted something a little bigger. Still, that's a minor quibble, because ultimately, this movie delivers hilarious laughs and spine tingling thrills.

We need more movies like Bubba Ho-tep. Goofy, high spirited, and just plain fun. I hope this movie gets a distribution deal because I can't wait to see it again.

On a side note, Coscarelli even gives Phantasm star Reggie Bannister a little piece of the action, and it's fun to see this guy in a movie again even if it doesn't feature a little flying ball with forks and a drill.

Following the screening, director Don Coscarelli, Bruce Campbell and story creator Joe R. Lansdale were on hand for a Q&A. Campbell was a ball of comedic energy fielding questions like an old pro. Coscarelli seemed completely excited to be there. He really loves making movies, and his enthusiasm really shows.

Upon leaving the screening, I had a chance to talk to Coscarelli. This guy rules. I hope he continues making cool little movies like this. I also had a chance to talk to Campbell, and made the fatal mistake of asking him if there'd be another Evil Dead. He's probably asked that question 100 times a day. He told me that there hadn't been any discussions about it. After a dramatic pause, he pretty much went on little rant about budgets and a lack of interest. He implied that three was enough. Besides, with Spider-Man being such a huge hit, Raimi probably wouldn't be up for it. I say if a good story comes up and you can get the funding (something that shouldn't be too hard for Raimi now), go for it. Hell, I'm sure there's an audience for it. I don't want to give the impression that I thought Campbell was out of line. Shit, this guy makes movies for a living. Obviously he knows a lot about the business. I'm just being selfish. I just want to see Ash kick some serious deadite ass again! At any rate, Bruce Campbell is the man, and his performance in Bubba Ho-tep confirms that.

That's it for now. I'll be back next week with a look at the Casino screening, and this sneak preview thing. I still have no idea what it is, but I'll be there to see it.

Adam Out!