Review of Clambake (1967) by Samantha C — 08 Dec 2007

We rented this movie knowing that it would be completely cheesey. We were actually quite surprised that it didn't suck as much as we expected. To start with, what's with the title? The one small clambake scene is entirely forgettable. The song "Clambake", however, will be forever remembered as one of the biggest rip-offs in musical history. "Mama's little baby loves clambake, clambake. Mama's little baby loves clambake, too." The entire prince and the pauper plot is sooooo cliche. Also, there's something quite hilarious about seeing Elvis in a chem lab. And let's not forget to mention the father who sounds like Foghorn Leghorn and looks like Yosemite Sam.

However, when that's all said and done, there's a certain something about this film that makes it mildly entertaining. I suspect that it's the curl of Elvis' lips and the fact that he's trying so hard to be a real actor that's endearing. The music isn't even half bad, other than the aforementioned "Clambake".

So, if you want to be transported back to a different time or are just looking for a good old dose of the predictable, rent it. If nothing else, it's worth a laugh. If you want extra laughs, watch the theatrical trailer.