This movie is worth seeing for the megawatt charisma of Elvis and Ann Margaret and the sparklingly entertaining musical numbers. It's not just the charisma of these two, but their chemistry, by far the best chemistry Elvis had with any co star in all of his mostly forgettable films. They exude, sex, confidence and
talent.As almot any review of any Elvis film will say, the story and writing are perfunctory and cliched, and it doesn't even make great use of its Vegas locations. Pop culture geeks will enjoy the only other performance worth metioning, that of William Demarest, Uncle Charlie from My Three Sons as Ann Margaret's crusty papa. As for Anne Margaret, it's a shame the only three films that she is rememberd for are Bye Bye Birdie, Tommy, and this one. She is sexy, luminous, and shows a natural acting ability that she didn't get much chance to explore or reveal. She did not have the career she richly desevered on film.Carnal Knowlege is the only serious film for which she is got a chance to show those talents.. That said, anyone of a younger generation who wishes to see why Elvis was ELVIS, need look no further than this film. It's everything that made him the King in a nutshell You can't take your eyes off him, he has total audience empathy despite his impossible looks and talents. The King (and Anne Margaret) transcend the formulaic banaltiy of this film. Well worth a rental.
November 4, 2011
Top Critic
