Search - Elvis Presley: Paradise, Hawaiian Style on DVD

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."