Vitagraph Pictures - distributor

by Bob Leggett

Early last year, I joined a few hardy souls for the opportunity to be part of a Hollywood movie. You see, my friend, Gigi and her husband, Reggie, ran a production company, which was recruiting extras for a film being shot in Downey. The shoot was to be held at an abandoned convalescent hospital there, beginning after dark on a Friday night - the only catch was you had to find your own 70's costume, as the shoot would involve a concert scene at a Elvis tribute concert set in Texas for a new movie being filmed by Don Coscarelli, director of the Phantasm (I-IV) and Beastmaster movies. Just that fact alone was enough to make me jump at the opportunity. I got there between 6 and 7, checked in, got something to eat, and then waited. We began filming about 8, and filmed off and on for the next six hours. I was one of the "crazies" that stayed until the very end, almost 3 a.m.

Now flash forward to October 3 – The movie, now entitled Bubba Ho-Tep, opens in Los Angeles at the Landmark NuArt and in Irvine at the Regal University 6 theaters. Bruce Campbell, the star, made his appearance in Los Angeles, while Irvine was graced with the presence of director Don Coscarelli and Reggie Bannister (yes, the Reggie referred to above!) After welcoming the almost sold-out audience to the 7:40 performance, Don gave a brief introduction to the movie, and then it began – our trip back in time on a "what if" mission - what if Elvis really didn’t die? Would he have been the hero he played in his movies?

From the opening sequence, where the dictionary definitions of the words "Ho-Tep" and "Bubba" are humorously explained, this movie begins its tongue-in-cheek treatment of the story. While it would not be fair for me to tell you the plot, and to explain this movie you would HAVE to tell it, trust me when I tell you the movie is a HOOT! If this is the future of independent film, then that future looks very promising. Working with an extremely limited budget (compared to even the "limited" budget of Academy Award winner My Big Fat Greek Wedding), DC (as he is affectionately known) makes great use of his available talents. Bruce Campbell IS Elvis - he makes you suspend belief in the fact that Elvis is dead, because on screen, Bruce is TCB - "taking care of business." In addition, Ossie Davis turns in one of the finest performances I’ve witnessed as a black man who believes that he is JFK! Reggie is likewise believable as the home’s administrator, while Ella Joyce as the sweet, often sexy nurse, and Heidi Marnhout as the slutty and selfish daughter of Elvis’ roommate provide the appropriate "eye candy."

There are some stunning effects (loved the cockroach), but my favorite "gag" was the subtitles in translation whenever the mummy talked. This is definitely one of those movies you will want to see several times, first to simply enjoy, and then to fully comprehend.

After the screening, DC and Reggie held a Q&A where DC not so subtly hinted that if Bubba was a success, and all initial reviews and screenings appear that way, then Phantasm V could be the next project for him.

I loved this movie - I give it full value for your hard-earned money. You have to check it out – both at the theater and on the website - www.bubbahotep.com.

So, I’m sure you’re wondering, did I make the final cut on my scene? Well .... you have to see the movie to find out, but look for the guy in the lime green shirt just behind the bouncing, jiggly girls.

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