Finally! ‘Elvis’ Showcases Presley’s Black Music Roots

Director: Baz Luhrman

Just in time for black music month the highly anticipated film Elvis is hitting theaters shedding light not only on the man himself but all of his black musical influences.

Cast: In the film Hanks plays Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker who has a huge impact on his career as do Memphis artists BB King (played by Kelvin Harrison Jr), Little Richard (played by Alton Mason) and Sister Rosetta tharpe (played by singer Yola).

HipHollywood spoke with the cast of the Warner Bros. Pictures film as well as Luhrman about finally creating an Elvis movie with soul.

Pros: From BB King to Beale Street, the city of Memphis and its soul music scene, play a vital part in the film. So is this an Elvis film Black folks can finally get in to? We think so.

Cons: The long montage / flashback sequences in the beginning setting up Elvis’childhood weigh down the film which doesn’t get start rocking and rolling until about 45 mins in.

Emoji Rating: 8 out of 10 blue suede shoes

Release Date: June 24.