Bubba Ho-Tep – Review

A bizarre mix of awesome elements puts Elvis (Campbell) and John F. Kennedy (Davis) at odds with an ancient Ho-Tep’s (Ivy) mummified remains. After busting his hip, Elvis has retired to Mud Creek, Texas, and lives in a care facility. His buddy, Jack Kennedy, also happens to be there, and black.

Elvis has strange dreams and wonders how he went from the King of Rock-n-Roll to an inhabitant of Shady Rest Retirement Home. Thing is, he won’t have long to worry about that, as a gigantic scarab beetle starts plaguing the facility and killing off the inhabitants. This bug also seems to shift form into a full-on zombie mummy, or cowboy boot and hat wearing Ho-Tep.

Elvis and his buddy Jack, the former U.S. president, team up to try and thwart this ancient evil. They must protect their peers! Will these aged men be able to rise to the occasion, or will the giant big bitch cockroach put them to bed, permanently?

This film is based on a short story and the movie is definitely as bizarre as it sounds. Bruce Campbell absolutely crushes his role as a former rock star turned introspective aging nursing home hero. There is a sense of sweetness infused in the script, along with plenty of crude humor, but it all finds a good blend with the story. The film gives both human touches, as well as supernatural dealings.

I personally love the oddball characters and strange atmosphere presented. The mix of slight horror and offbeat comedy work very well for me. It is thoroughly entertaining and zips along with a short runtime. The longer it goes, the more its vibe gels. Come check out the King’s real story, and have some fun.

"By the unwinking red eye of Ra!"