Almost Elvis (2001 Video) User Reviews

There is only ONE Elvis!

[michaelRokeefe · 7/10 · 19 September 2006]

Often imitated, but never duplicated...the most impersonated person in the world...Elvis Presley. His legacy lives on through his records and his movies...and even digging through the myth is no easy chore. But no doubt his legion of fans come in every shape and color; as does that breed of fan who's devotion is tangible through impersonation. There is no comparison of generations that won't let Elvis die. Impersonators give some those fleeting moments of the image of Elvis. This documentary follows a few of these pretenders in their quest of winning a competition in Memphis. These people spend an almost unbelievable amount of time, money and effort to be...almost Elvis.

This documentary is at times very comical; for it is proof that there are mothers out there that have told their sons that they sing like Elvis and almost look like Elvis. I am a died-in-the-wool Elvis fan and hate to admit I have never revered impersonators; but some of these guys are good...but most are down right an embarrassment. I at first did not want to watch this, but am glad that I chose to. Some fans will be amused and the others just plain pi^^*d off. ALMOST ELVIS is a very good insight and worth viewing.

A few of the impersonators featured are: Irv Cass, Quentin Flagg, Robert Washington, Doug Church and Steve Sogura. These guys have followings and most deservedly.

I believe that true Elvis fans will enjoy this movie.

[roiride · 9/10 · 2 February 2006]

I enjoyed this movie very much. But of course, I would. Because I am also an Elvis Tribute Artist. The Elvis Tribute Artist "ETA" phenomena, is all about...Keeping the legend, of the greatest Entertainer alive, for the fans who remember him with passion and dignity. But also, to introduce his style of music and down to Earth lyrics, to the younger generations. Who never experienced his Charisma and Charm. While performing live shows, to sold out audiences. Elvis never took himself seriously, and you could see that in his playfulness, as he teased the members of his band and many fans. The word Impersonator is outdated, and we aren't trying to look like Elvis. That is impossible...unless you torture yourself. With 20 different plastic surgery operations, or just naturally resemble his facial features. Irv Cass, Robert Washington, Doug Church, Quentin Flagg and all of the other ETAs, are extremely devoted and worked very hard. To become professional Artists, who are only singing for the Love of Music...Not for the money! That is simply a bonus if you are deemed great, by the loyal fan base. Contrary to what you see in the audiences, of this movie. Most of the fans of ETAs, are actually very young.

If you enjoyed this movie. I recommend that you try and see the two sequels, that I know of. The Kings Men volume one and two. Produced by Blue Suede Films, as well. Every day, there is a new and very talented ETA, that is trying to win competitions, like the ones featured in this movie, and finally become recognized, for their talent. The two sequels to this movie, feature such great ETAs, as Steve Sogura, Paul Halverstadt and the Legendary Jesse Aron.

I saw my first ETA, when I was just 16 years old, and he performed at our high school auditorium, in 1976. His name was Johnny Harra, and he went on to become, one of the most successful ETA's ever! Every single student, including myself, gave him a standing ovation. Elvis was still alive, too!

The ultimate goal of any Elvis Tribute Artist. Like the ones performing in this movie and the sequels... is to reach out and touch people of all walks of life. Let them know, what it feels like, to have a great entertainer. Raise your spirit and fly your soul, away from all of the worlds troubles. Not just for 90 minutes or so. But for an entire lifetime. Just like Elvis has done, and continues to do. Far beyond his mortal ties to humanity.

Best...elvis impersonator documentary...ever.

[SenatorWhoopass · 10/10 · 27 February 2003]

What makes a good Elvis Impersonator? Is it the well-tanned face below a black, greasy pompadour? Is it the half-zipped jumpsuit, exposing a sweaty, untamed forest of chest hair? Is it the pelvic thrusting, or the sideburns, or the attention to detail on the custom made rhinestone jacket? We learn that it takes all this and a little more in Almost Elvis, a documentary conceived by Olympia filmmaker John Paget. Almost Elvis casts its spotlight on the oft ridiculed and frequently misunderstood world of Elvis impersonation. Now numbering over 35,000 today, Elvis impersonators come from every walk of life and region of the country, with growing numbers in Mexico, Belgium and Japan. It was this amazing statistic that first inspired Paget to make this offbeat film. `I was tired of seeing documentaries on insignificant events like wildlife and wars, and saw that this was a subject that hadn't been investigated and deserved a closer look,' Paget commented on his innovative opus. `There has never been a phenomenon in the history of mankind quite like this.' Before shooting began, Paget spent three months doing research and scouring the Internet for impersonators interested in sharing their amazing stories. `I started getting hundreds of emails. People were sending me 8 x10's, and telling me that I had to feature them, claiming to be better than Elvis,' said Paget. From this large list, Paget narrowed the cast down to a few standouts. The film follows the lives of these prominent impersonators as they prepare for competition, share trade secrets and explain how and why they took up the hobby (and in some cases, full time occupation) of emulating the King of Rock. These dedicated men (and women) were once janitors, DJ's, exotic dancers and paperboys, united by the common goal of insuring the memory of Elvis Presley. While briefly showcasing the colorful cavalcade of the King, most interviews are with the frontrunners of the 1999 Images of Elvis competition held in Memphis each year. The judges have their work cut out for them, as different judges are partial to different facets of Presley's persona.

Quentin Flagg is the youngest competing Presley doppelganger; at 17, his youth and waistline enable him to emulate the King at his rise. Another intimidating competitor, with the looks, moves, and even the bulge is Irv Cass, who has won numerous regional competitions as well as the hearts of lustful older women. A third, controversial but well respected impersonator is Robert Washington. Though African-American, Washington has the sound and energy needed to compete, but has only placed second year after year.

In addition to impersonators, Paget also taps other key participants of this subculture. Interviews with judges, die hard fans, and even the manufacturers of the gaudy replica jumpsuits add another dimension to this world. The film serves the dual purpose of entertaining as well as educating the audience with facts they didn't know they wanted to know. The spirit of the film is often tongue in cheek; some impersonators are in on the joke while others fail to see the humor in their lifestyle choice.

A great documentary about Elvis impersonators

[meikel-5 · 23 October 2000]

A great documentary about Elvis impersonators. First of all I want to say that this film is no music film with lot's of performances and shows. This is one thing that disappointed me about the film. I wanted to see and hear the impersonators performe. Here we have 120 min with interviews, interviews and a couple of minutes singing. There are however a lot of interesting interviews with impersonators like: Quentin Flagg, Irv Cass, Doug Church, Johnny Thompson and others.

The impersonators in this movie are unfortunately not the elite, not the best there is. Ok, Doug Church belongs to the best there is because he can sound very, very similar to Elvis. If you are looking for the absolutely best impersonators there is, I have a couple of names for you: Trent Carlini, Rick Saucedo, Shawn Klush, Johnny Harra, Johnny Earle, Eddie Miles.