Review of Bubba Ho-tep (2002) by Brad H — 17 May 2011

Elvis Presley and JFK battle their OAP wits against Bubba Ho-Tep- a soul sucking Mummy in a cowboy outfit that is terrorising an old people's home in Bubba Ho-Tep, based on the short story by Joe R. Lansdale.

This is the kind of idea that makes the mind fart on the spot. When you consider just the second half of the plot (a Mummy killing off the inhabitants of a local retirement home) it sounds like another weird, straight to DVD horror B-Movie. This is not entirely the case. By throwing two completely ridiculous characters into the situation and then been SERIOUS about the whole thing you get an original feel to what could have otherwise been a total flop.

I seemed to miss it first time around but there's actually a lot on the subject of growing old (and the regrets, fears and misery that includes) in this film. Through the narration by Elvis we hear lots of his opinions and philosophies on old age and some of it is very grim and very serious when you consider the otherwise daft plot (the summary of just how Elvis isn't really dead and is really just retired is shown through flash backs in the film). The dingy atmosphere and down beat feel seems to echo the same sadness that the characters show and feel. The fact that they are elderly and therefore pretty helpless through disability and old age only strengthens this uncomfortable feeling and I had some genuine moments of pity for the poor guys.

It's not all sadness though- mainly through some great interactions between The King and fellow resident JFK (whose identity is just a little more suspect) and some sharp dialogue along with an incredibly dry performance from B-Movie icon Bruce Campbell there are plenty of chuckles to be had. In fact I'd go so far as to say that it's mainly Bruce Campbell's performance as Elvis that really makes this a quality experience!

Director Don Coscarelli also does well to make some generally creepy scenes through old reliables like lighting and sound techniques. Bubba Ho-Tep looks like any 80s Zombie (well, other then the boots and hat), and there is sadly some pretty poor CGI mixed in with the much better puppetry used for the Scarab beetles. Despite this the total of these parts works well and it really does convince you that it's more then a B-Movie at times.

THE VERDICT?

As gently paced as an old-timer but still engaging and a very good watch. Spirited performances and a black comedy script that includes some hard truths about the fears of growing old makes this a cut above the majority of B-Movies. Bruce Campbell fans do well to seek this one out whilst others will find this one of his most interesting and accessible films of recent years.

LIKED THIS?

YOU MIGHT LIKE...

EVIL DEAD 2- An immense cult film which far out shines it's original Video Nasty title, Evil Dead 2 had a lot more fun amongst the blood and gore and it definately the movie in which to see Campbell in his most iconic role.