Today’s quick review: Bubba Ho-Tep. An aging Elvis Presley (Bruce Campbell) now lives in a nursing home in Texas, having traded places with an impersonator years before. When the occupants of the nursing home begin to die under mysterious circumstances, Elvis and his friend Jack (Ossie Davis), an old man who claims to be the real JFK, discover that their friends are being preyed on by a soul-sucking Egyptian mummy.
Bubba Ho-Tep is a horror comedy with a low budget and an indulgent premise. Tapping into the conspiracy theories surrounding Elvis’ death, Bubba Ho-Tep offers a low-stakes, humorous take on the typical monster movie formula. Bruce Campbell delivers as a convincing performance as the geriatric Elvis, and he’s backed by an effective partner in Ossie Davis. The movie is short, straightforward, and genuinely creative.
Even ignoring its absurd premise, Bubba Ho-Tep has an odd flavor to it. The pall of aging hangs heavily over the movie, especially its first half. Elvis’ struggles are just dramatic enough to be credible, heightening the film’s comedy by contrast but pushing its tone in an unexpectedly serious direction. The humor can be crude, but it has a few gems mixed in. However, the jokes don’t come hard or fast enough to win over reluctant viewers.
Give Bubba Ho-Tep a shot if you’re interested in the silly side of the horror genre. Though a little short on substance, Bubba Ho-Tep is a one-of-a-kind watch that has a peculiar nobility to it. Skip it if you’re looking for credible horror or harder-hitting comedy. Also give it a pass if you’re sensitive to horror; as tame and tacky as its scares are, it still has the atmosphere of a horror flick.
7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for a fun premise and decent execution, with the potential for a much higher score for the right viewer.