Beginning with its outrageous premise, anticipated this film could only disappoint. In every critical scene there was opportunity for it to go wrong. I expected it to turn silly, then it didn't. When I knew it would be too melodramatic or corny it didn't go there either.In particular I am critical of how the south is depicted in film. Accents are typically exaggerated with unrealistic dialog. Law enforcement is usually portrayed as incompetent and fumbling. "Elvis and Anabelle" comes close to violating all of the clichés yet never crosses the line.Finally I realized my cynical prejudgment was similar to Elvis's life disposition. What I didn't expect was this movie to inspire me.

a film about small things. a boy, a girl, slices of Cinderella, gray circle of parents and escape far from jail of every day. drama, humor, beautiful images, delicate feelings. and an inspired cast. for me, out of atmosphere, it is performance of Joe Mantegna. each gesture, his face, the words, the silhouette in rain, are impressive and precise. the fragile character of Elvis, the pressure - chain of Annabelle, the house, the golf play, the picture of kiss or the love scene of beach are fruits of his presence. so, it is a good film. testimony - taste after its end. and powerful flavor of basic need - to joy of life, hour by hour.

Being such a low-budget film I wasn't expecting much from Elvis and Anabelle but I'm glad I was proved wrong. Both Blake Lively and Max Minghella's performances were excellent. They portrayed characters who both hid dark secrets but also kept the believability of each character at an all time high. Joe Montegna stole the show for me playing the physically and mentally challenged father of Elvis( Max Minghella). His witty one-liners and the love he showed for Elvis and Anabell will touch your heart in such away that you will think about this movie for a long time after the credits role. With such a quirky storyline and characters you will surely fall in love with,Elvis and Anabell is a terrific must-see film!

What a surprising gem, I can't believe I never heard of this film. It's beautifully crafted and sensitive, including the photography and the inventive soundtrack. This was a beautiful blend of excellent craftsmanship and quiet intensity in acting, storyline and composition, particularly since the film contains so many quieter and lesser known, but thoroughly talented character actors. Even the subplots are strong. And Joe Montegna's work was a TOTAL surprise. It takes true skill to move a story between the different levels of feeling that this one achieves, and it never once resorts to clichés, nor does it ever insult the audience's intelligence. Please do more of this quality, America's film industry is desperate for quality of this level. Bravo.