3000 Miles to Graceland (DVD, 2001)

While some may not have seen the "earlier version" of "3000 Miles To Graceland," the premise for the script IS loosely based on blacklisted Hollywood director Jules Dassin's 1955 crime heist movie "du Rififi Chez les Hommes"--or "Rififi" (think rif raf). In 3000 Miles To Graceland, Kurt Russell and Kevin Costner turn in star performances as former cellmates recently released from a federal penitentiary. When they first meet up on the outside, the look that Costner gives Russell as he slowly runs his gaze up and down Russell's body is almost sickening as you imagine the uncertain meeting of former cellmates might be. Costner has planned an elaborate heist at a Vegas casino during an Elvis convention in 2001, but things soon go awry. Kurt Russell co-stars, along with Courtney Cox, Thomas Haden Church, David Arquette, Howie Long and Jon Lovitz. Paul Anka even turns in a wickedly evil cameo performance as the chief of security at the Las Vegas casino where the film is staged. The group of thieves dress up as Elvis impersonators to pull off a big money robbery, and they plan to do it right in front of everybody. The succeed, after a fashion, but not without a hail of gunfire which caused most critics to give the movie resoundingly bad reviews. The shoot-em-up scenes are further enhanced with a grinding guitar-laced soundtrack--that enhances the gunfire to an almost-too fevered pitch. The movie is about a bunch of ex-cons, and the so-called honor amongst thieves. If you can just keep the volume control close at hand, the shooting scenes are few and the intricate details of the camera work and the directing and ensemble acting are enough to create an enjoyable experience for the discerning viewer. At the end of the movie, as Costner is staring into a dirty restroom's grime-stained mirror, Elvis sideburns and a snarl on his lips, he says in a deep voice "how do you like me now?"--and you know that it's Elvis to whom he is speaking. Oh yeah, one of the guys gets the girl, but that may not be enough of a hook to bring your girlfriend or wife to this one!