Review of Elvis & Anabelle (2007) by Veronica T — 20 Jul 2011

I don't think I can name 10 girls in all of human history who drive me as insane as Blake Lively does. As she showed in this movie, she's more than just a face and a body, but an actress who can really suck you in. Factor in a decent story and solid performance by Minghella and this movie is quite a gem and evidently beloved by many on the internets.

Minghella is working at the family funeral home, basically taking over the duties of his father, played by Mantegna, who can no longer do them himself. It's a hell of a stretch of Mantegna. A bit of a cheesy character, but it's an odd movie so that's okay. Lively is a Texas beauty queen who dies and ends up at the hands of Minghella. His kiss brings her back to life and a lovely story ensues.

It's definitely a quirky movie. Sometimes that can be a flaw, but it works quite well in this. Great shots, great acting. When they drive off in the car and the shot is across him and she is in the passenger seat...pretty damn good stuff. The ending really got me too. Ha I've not been so struck by an ending in quite some time so, thought it may have had its flaws, the likability factor is very high.

I was thinking 7/10 for most of the way, but the ending kicked it up a notch. I often let the imdb posters bias me when I look after a movie. That's not the case here, but I am quite pleased to see that so many people really like it. To me, films like this are going out on a limb and it's nice to see them well-received. Great job by all involved and if I had money, I think I'd have to have this in my collection.