In "Paradise, Hawaiian Style," Elvis plays Rick Richards, an ex-airline pilot who starts a charter helicopter sightseeing service in Hawaii and finds himself surrounded with pretty tourists. Co-starring Suzanna Leigh and ... more »James Shigeta, "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" features the memorable melodies "A Dog's Life," "Sand Castles" and "Bill Bailey, Won't you Please Come Home."« less
Johnna M. (whitwolf) from SEDALIA, MO Reviewed on 9/23/2008...
love the movie
Movie Reviews
With Elvis, Hawaii IS paradise!
Josh P. | 11/12/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A sort of repeat of "Blue Hawaii", but "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" shows more exotic locations. Only this time around Elvis takes you by air. He stars as a handsome unemployed helicopter pilot who decides to open his own helicopter tourist service with his partner. Along the way, Elvis can't keep several beautiful wahinis out of his hair. "Is this any way to run an airline?" You bet! With one look at this movie, you'll see it's not called "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" for nothing. The young child costar Donna Butterworth was a huge Elvis fan before she starred in this picture with Elvis. Why not? A little girl who loved Elvis to death and now she's doing a motion picture with him in person. You could call it a dream come true. Elvis fans, don't delay."
Dog Days
Deborah F. Brown | Nesbit, Mississippi USA | 02/01/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The dogs in this movie seem to have more fun than Elvis.
10 year old Donna Butterworth steals her scenes and it is no wonder as she is a fan living a dream. Making a movie with Elvis would have been great for any fan. Nice songs and good story for the whole family."
The Kid Steals The Show
rekrab06 | Nevada, USA | 02/06/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Breathtaking Hawaiian locations, catchy tunes, and a bevy of beautiful women, this Elvis movie has it all. The show is stolen, however, by cute and cuddly 10-year old Donna Butterworth. She sings and dances with The King, and does a great solo rendition of "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey". You can't help but love this kid."
A decent Presley movie saved by the scenery
Jeff Smith | Hot Springs Village, Arkansas United States | 02/27/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"As Red West said in the book, "Elvis, What Happened?" Paradise, Hawaiian Style failed to capture the artistic majesty of Blue Hawaii, but the box office never complained.After slipping box office returns from Tickle Me, Harum Scarum and other clunkers, Elvis returned to familiar territory in Hawaii.The movie has a somewhat decent script and songs which are supported by the breathtaking scenery.I agree with another review that Elvis went through the motions on this one, though. When he sang songs, he didn't have his usual spunk as far as gyrating and reallying putting himself into it. He either just stood in place or slowly walked around, just going through the motions of the songs. And yes, he was a bit out of shape. In "Elvis What Happened?" it was reported that he showed up on the set 30 pounds overweight. He lived on diet pills for about a week before filming started and gradually got back into shape by the time it was in the can.With more vigor and vim, some better songs and a stronger script, Paradise, Hawaiian Style could have equalled Blue Hawaii. But, all Colonel Parker was interested in was the bottom line. On that note, many people may not know this, but no Elvis Presley movie ever lost money. Some may have just scraped in over the line, but most of them were huge successes. A lot of his movies were lousy, but Elvis was miserable all the way to the bank."
Return To the Island State.
tvtv3 | Sorento, IL United States | 03/20/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"In this movie, Elvis plays a laid off airline pilot who returns to his home state of Hawaii (he's the descendant of missionaries) and starts a helicopter transportation business with his best friend. The scenery in the movie isn't as breathtaking as in BLUE HAWAII. Nevertheless, the plot of the movie is much more believable and well written than BLUE HAWAII. However, the improvement in the script is dragged down by Elvis' apparent lack of enthusiasm; during the singing sequences he just goes through the motions with no emotion whatsoever. Yet, there is some excitement in the movie found in an unlikely source: the King is stood up in this film by 10 year old Donna Butterworth who steals practically every scene she is a part. Overall, pretty much, just your average Elvis flick."