Lonely Street (2009)

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

The acting in this movie is really good.

Bubba Mabry (Jay Mohr) is a two-bit private eye in Albuquerque. As he explains, he rents a cheap motel room on a monthly basis, places ads in cheap places and has very little overhead. Even so, his bills are paid with difficulty. Then, oh glorious day, a huge bodyguard, JG (Mike Starr) comes calling and offers Bubba the chance to make some good bread. First, he must be led in secret to his client, Mr. Aaron (Robert Patrick). But, Whoa Nelly! Mr. Aaron is really THE KING, Elvis, who faked his own death. Now, although grey-haired, he's fit and can croon up a storm. So, what's the problem? It seems a man named Tank has been snooping around way too close and JG doesn't know why. Is he there to do harm to Mr. Aaron or just to expose the secret? Therefore, Bubba is supposed to key an eye on Tank. Simple enough. But, more folks enter the picture. There's the aging record producer (Joe Mantegna) who may have some dark secrets. Also, a woman named Bambi, a Playboy bunny type, is seen going to Tank's place. Also, another pretty gal, Felicia (Lindsay Price), has entered the fray with an unknown purpose. This is before Tank is found murdered, bullet through his head. Is Mr. Aaron going to be taken out next? This fun, funny film is on the sleazy side but still enjoyable. One of its strongest assets is the setting in Albuquerque, which is exotic, alternately lovely and seedy. Then, too, the cast of Mohr, Mantegna, Price, Starr and company are wonderful. Best of the lot is Patrick, whose Elvis impersonation is flat-out terrific. The ladies are dressed to the nines while an assortment of Elvis costume knockoffs are worn by a bevy of cast members, making for continued mirth. The clever script and energetic direction are also assets. Are you lonesome tonight? Then, get Lonely Street for it is one of those films which chase away the doldrums.

Pretty original idea about a 70 year old Elvis hiding out in New Mexico, and the murder of a tabloid reporter who uncovers the story. Robert Patrick with at least a bunch of makeup is strikingly accurate as the geriatric Elvis. Jay Mohr is lively and likable as the private investigator patsy, and Joe Mantegna is appropriate as a sleazy record promoter. Throw in some very funny dialog, along with a lot of silliness, and you pretty much have "Lonely Street". My only criticism would be the title, which seems more attached to an old Andy Williams record than Elvis, and too many stale fart jokes. With the right audience, cult status is a definite possibility. - MERK

I really wanted to see this when I read that there was some Elvis content. At first I thought it was going to be some really lame movie. It exceeded my expectations and I loved it! I didn't actually see a rating but my daughter and I watched it and we laughed pretty good! I will be watching this again. And who is this Lindsay Price? She is sure beautiful and talented! I would love to hear her sing! The King is portrayed by Patrick just perfectly. We never got to know what Elvis would have been like had he lived, but I believe this is as good and believable as it could get. He even looks like a well aged Elvis. A wonderful job! I love this movie, I really do! It was well thought out by people who actually are Elvis fans otherwise they wouldn't have done such a good job. As for Jay Mohr, for some reason, I wasn't thrilled that he was in the movie at first. Why, I don't know. But he was really great, the face he makes under the bed of Hank Hankerson is absolutely hilarious!! When I saw that, I knew I was watching a movie I would like. I am definitely a fan of Mr. Mohr. Loved it and the plot!

The only reason I don't give this a higher rating, is that while it is a really fun and entertaining film, parts are a bit campy (but due to the style of the film, it doesn't distract from the story or the acting). The last time I saw a really good impersonation of Elvis, was Kurt Russell, in Elvis (1979-TV). I heard that he even sang the music in that one. This isn't really about the music, as much as it is a mystery/thriller, with a who-done-it slant thrown in. The actors did a great job. I thought Patrick did a credible impersonation, and I'm even a bit surprised that he looked like "The King". The comedy is light, but it's because the jokes/one-liners are only to make this fun. It's not meant to make you fall out of your chair laughing. I like how the crew was able to keep you guessing, as to who did what. They make it so you have to even ask yourself whether "Mr. Aaron", to protect his anonymity, may be guilty. All in all, as I said previous, one of the most enjoyable films I've seen. I have to also give kudos to the artist who sang the Elvis songs. While a true fan can tell it's not the real Elvis, the singer still did a wonderful job