Living in a rest home in Texas, a resident who claims to be Elvis feels threatened by the disappearance of the residents and soon takes up with another resident when they find that an Egyptian mummy is the source of the deaths and take it upon themselves to defend the rest home.There really was a few good things about it. One of the films' more enjoyable aspects is the demented and rather unique setup this one has that gives this a really enjoyable setup. Not only is the central premise of the residents at a rest home feel like a truly original concept, but the way this one brings about the introduction of the two central characters which is a rather novel idea which picks up a rather interesting concept that isn't all too commonly utilized. The idea of the mummy coming to life and feeding on the souls of the rest-home residents who are at the end of their life which is what it needs to survive plays into the perfect cover here, and it's pointing how that comes into the main gist of the story here. There's also some big fun to be had with the film's rather strong action scenes when they occur as these are quite nice, from the fight scene with the huge scarab beetle in the room where they battle throughout the area, a series of investigations that show the creature as being involved in the area affecting the hospital and the big finale where they engage in an extended, prolonged battle against the mummy in the park outside which is rather enjoyable for the tactics used to battle the mummy. Given that these are where we get to see the mummy in full-on views which gives this a nice chance to show off the nice make-up work done for the creature coming into play. The other big positive here is that the film looks better than it should as the rest home has a grim, weathered look which is put to best use in the scenes with the mummy strolls down the hallway in front of terrified residents with the light flickering and distorting around him. There might be a few chuckles from the dialog as well which can arouse some comedy, but otherwise, there isn't a lot here to really condemn the film on either. The film's terrible crime is that there isn't anything in the way of action in the film and it's a terminally slow film. The one attack mentioned above constitutes the film's action scenes until the conclusion, which is so slow and drawn out that it borders on the sleep-inducing. It really needed a rousing finale to wake us up during the slow sections, but it's all so humdrum that it completely passes over and only the end credits signal the film's conclusion. That's all there really is to say about this one, as it really didn't do much else.Rated R: Graphic Language and Violence.

A geriatric who claims he is Elvis Presley teams up with a elderly black man who believes he is President Kennedy to battle an ancient Egyptian mummy that is feeding on the souls of the inhabitants of a rest home.Say what you like about Don Coscarelli's films, but there's no denying the director's innovation and bravery when it comes to his craft. Bubba Ho-Tep is unlikely to become a regular watch for me—I'd have liked a little less conversation and a little more action—but it's undeniably a film like no other, dishing up more than enough creativity and weirdness to ensure it a cult following.Bruce Campbell, as the King of Rock and Roll, puts in the performance of his career, absolutely nailing the character, making the viewer believe that Elvis lives (the singer having supposedly switched places with an Elvis impersonator in the '70s); it's a little harder to swallow the notion that Ossie is JFK, but his turn is extremely poignant. Coscarelli's screenplay (based on a short story by Joe R. Lansdale) gives both actors plenty of amusing lines, ensuring a fun time even when the going is slow.The ending, in which the doddery duo finally take on the mummy (that sucks its victims spirit from their ass-hole), is surprisingly creepy; I only wish that the battle had been given a little more time, feeling a little rushed after all that had gone before.

Don Cascarelli's Bubba Ho Tep is an oddity of unique subject matter, spot on casting, imaginative genius and surprisingly touching exchanges of dialogue. Many films make the claim that they are "like nothing you have ever seen before". Well, this one actually deserves the moniker. The main character is an ageing, walker bound Elvis Presley, stuck in a drab east Texas retired home, and played by the man himself, the inimitable Bruce Campbell. He's there because years ago he exchanged places with a legendary impersonator (also Campbell;) and decided to give it all up and live in near isolation. No one at the rest home believes him of course. The only companionship he finds is with an elderly black man (the great Ossie Davis in a performance of disarming deadpan gravity) who thinks he is JFK, dyed a darker shade by his enemies in the state, and forgotten about. Sound crazy yet? It gets better. The dreary rest home suddenly finds itself under attack from Bubba Ho Tep, a cowboy hat and boot wearing, leathery Egyptian Mummy, with a penchant for sucking people's souls out through any orifice. Any. The only reason this film works, and the secret to getting a campy, asinine concept to fly: the actors and filmmakers treat the proceedings and their dialogue with the utmost sincerity, never pitting their tongues anywhere near their cheek. Bruce Campbell is a revelation as The King, nailing the funny bits, and especially the poignant, melancholic ones. He plays a bruised, guilt ridden Elvis that knows in his twilight years that the decisions he has made have led him to his outcome, and that he's hurt the ones he loves and can't forgive himself, he also knows the only way past that is personal redemption. Ossie Davis brings an old world charm and austere nobility to his black JFK, with just the right sarcastic goofball notes. Ella Joyce is fantastic as a patronizing yet well meaning nurse. The film has a shabby, lovingly made, down to earth jive and the tone is a lightning in a bottle, unique pace that stays with you after. They don't get much more unique than this... check it out.

Watching this is pure joy, whether it's funny, scary, or emotional. And this film is all these things. With unbelievable ease it shifts the tone, yet it never feels awkward. That alone is testament to the quality of the script, acting and direction. Like the stars in the sky that spelled 'all is well' in the final scene, stars must have aligned to make this low budget film turn out so well. And a lot could have gone wrong with an outrageous storyline like this. Coscarelli, Campbell and the rest really did a wonderful work in every respect, and the ending is icing on the cake. To make a film about an aging Elvis fighting a mummy and make people experience catharsis at the end is no small achievement. One of my favourite films that fills me with joy every time I see it. An easy ten stars. This film literally has no flaws.