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| Movie Review: The King Alternate Title: Sins of the Father
Story: Southern Gothic was my
second choice as alternate title. This stick to your ribs psycho - thriller
had me thinking about it long after I left the theater. Young Elvis Valderez is discharged from the Navy
and immediately heads to Corpus Christi, Texas to seek out the biological
father he never knew. His wayward father has seen the light and is now
a bible belt preacher with the perfect family. After being rebuked at
the initial father/son meeting the emotionally detached Elvis embarks
on the road to acceptance into this family. The morally complex Elvis
is hypnotic to watch. Without revealing too much, he manages to woo
the young daughter, alienate the son and well ...I can't tell you much
more without ruining everything. Suffice it to say I was riveted by
the story, the characters, the feeling of impending violence and the
conclusion. Director James Marsh (The Burger
& the King: The Life & Cuisine of Elvis Presley) does a first
rate job of delivering an absorbing, complicated story. It was co-written
with Milo Addica (Monster's Ball). This film will most likely become a cult favorite
down the line as Gael Garcia Bernal becomes a super
star. Catch it if you can. Acting: Gael Garcia Bernal is one of my favorite young
actors and in his first English speaking role (with no discernible accent)
he is once again terrific. He plays the morally illiterate Elvis, chillingly
brilliantly and I could not take my eyes off of him when he was on the
screen. William Hurt as the preacher is getting better
and better with each part. He was believable and right on the money.
The rest of the family were equally as good. Pell James, Laura
Harring and Paul Dano round out the cast. Predilection: I like Bernal (a lot).
Critters: Horses and dogs
Food: Pizza and fast food
Soundtrack: Dolly Parton opens with 'Peace in the
Valley' one of the real Elvis' favorite gospel tunes.
Theater Audience: A small devoted audience.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 2
Squirm Scale: The feeling of impending violence is
squirmy. Be warned, there is a violent scene.
Drift Factor: No drifting here.
Predictability Level: I has no idea what was going
to happen.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: I would nominate Bernal for any award
and William Hurt was great too.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure if you
want to see this very handsome guy up close and personal. For some other
films with Bernal try renting: Y. Tu Mama, Tambien, Amoros Perros and
the Crime of Father Amoro.
Length: 100 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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