What makes it different from others?

Purely Joyful Movie!

A very feeble attempt at affirmatie action

Yes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.

In 1972 Ohio, a teenage boy kidnaps Elvis Presley after a concert in Cleveland and takes him home (in his pink Cadillac!) to cheer up his divorced mom, despondent after a fight with her latest boyfriend. David Keith doesn't look like Elvis--he doesn't even fill out the infamous bejeweled white jumpsuit efficiently--however, he has obviously studied Presley's mannerisms and vocal rhythms, and does well in the part after an unconvincing introduction. It takes a leap of faith to believe in this nostalgic fable, but Keith enthusiastically carries it to its inevitable conclusion, carving out his own impersonation under the black Elvis wig. Also fine is Tuesday Weld (a former Presley co-star) as the long-time Elvis fan amazed to find her idol in her home, a dilapidated hotel called the Flaming Star. Weld isn't well-lit or flatteringly photographed, however her age works in her favor here (she's credible playing the mother of growing kids, not like a 30-something passing herself off as the burnt-out mother of two). Besides the leaden opening and awful kidnapping sequence (which is laboriously contrived by writer-director Chris Columbus), the weakest link in the film are the teenagers. Charlie Schlatter must have studied Elvis, too, but not in a way that was helpful; with his perpetually disgusted expressions (so teenage!) and self-conscious sneer, he's like an anchor on these wafty-fantastic proceedings (I don't think Schlatter is ever in character here, but then he wasn't given much help from Columbus' limited conception of the kid). The other young actors are also tiresome, but when Columbus finally gets down to business and allows the star-smitten mom a few private moments with her very own superstar, he manages to enchant us with a little plastic magic. **1/2 from ****

This is pure fantasy. As an Elvis fan it made me think what if Elvis had been confronted with his past towards the end of his life? The end of the film I found to be sad as we all know what happened to him and wished it were otherwise. The music is very good, as are the performances. This is in my top 30.

'Heartbreak Hotel' is one one the all-time greatest entertainment treasures. With a solid, brilliant cast led by the incredibly talented Mr. David Keith as Elvis Presley, this movie could brighten even the dullest mood with its simple charm, humour and wonderful music. Some of the more short-sighted have complained about, among other irrelevancies, the lack of facial likeness between Mr. Keith and 'The King' as if that was an error of some kind rather than recognizing the fact that Mr. Keith was obviously chosen for the role because he is an amazing 'Elvis' vocal and visual impersonator with the necessary talent in order to capture the essence of Elvis without having to rely on physical likeness which can only testify to the limitless capabilities of this great actor, so much so that there are moments when Elvis almost appears transfigure through David Keith, who incidently is also a native of the State of Tennessee.No-one ever intended this movie to be taken seriously, but only enjoyed for its sheer entertainment value. The majority of the singing is actually performed by David Keith himself, which no Elvis impersonator could top !! I have read reviews of this movie which cast doubt on this fact, but if you watch the end titles you will see his vocal performing credits. I also know that he used his own voice because HE told me in person during several chats I had with him whilst he was here in Hope, BC with James Spader filming the upcoming movie 'The Stick-Up'. Charlie Schlater is also an immensely talented actor with the same kind of natural charisma and talent of Michael J. Fox. As I said previously, all the cast are magnificent and obviously adored making this movie as their pleasure and happiness shines through. Remember, this is not an Elvis biography, but merely a fantasy tale which in its own way honours the memory of the real Elvis. A heartfelt tribute to 'The King'. David Keith can also be seen in 'An Officer and a Gentleman'; 'U-571'; 'Men of Honor'; 'Brubaker'; 'The Rose'; 'The Lords of Discipline'; 'Major League 2'; and 'Texas' among many others.

If you're an Elvis purist, stay away. This film takes great liberties with the life of the King and David Keith really doesn't look like him, either. Never mind, because Heartbreak Hotel is such a sweet (and manipulative!) picture that you'll be reaching for your hanky by the end. It's the Elvis film that truly raises him to an iconic level, and I can well imagine the Church of Elvis incorporating this into their video Bible a hundred years from now. The films of Elvis himself will be the Old Testament, and Heartbreak Hotel will be one of the Gospels. For now, grab a box of kleenex, settle into your easy chair and enjoy the re-creation of the restaurant scene from Loving You that is one of the highlights of this most enjoyable bit of fluff.