Elvis and Anabelle

Elvis and Annabelle does a superb job of capturing and dealing with the inner struggles of both characters. The natural chemistry between Max and Blake makes them perfect for the lead roles.

Joe Montegna also delivered in his role and touches your heart. He is genuine and in-character throughout the entire film.

I also liked how the film naturally transitioned from a darker, black & white feel to a brighter and more colorful feel when Annabelle arrived at the house/mortuary.

Most independent movies have been filmed on very tight budgets and therefore have numerous flaws that are evident on the screen. Elvis and Annabelle also was filmed on a tight budget, but the director did an amazing job of bringing the entire film together in a way that truly minimizes the flaws. What an accomplishment.

Just great. This is the fair definition of this special film about miracles, death, relations, a good father and his son , a queen of beauty and a house. I was seduce and impress, in same measure, by the wonderful job of Joe Mantegna. I was surprised by beautiful artistic skills of young Max Minghella. And, sure, by the story. And, yes, I admitt, the references to The White Snow or to Sun flower by Vincent van Goghis are a nice, very nice clues. Short, one of touching and pure admirable films , easy to become cheesy but well directed, seductive for the feel to be almost a personal story. And with few magnificent scenes.

This movie should have had a wider release and more publicity. It's really enjoyable. It's got the story of a good indie movie like "Sideways" or "Little Miss Sunshine" - it's funny, touching, original and actually quite romantic. It's part dark comedy, part quirky romance. The situations are not unpleasant and the dialog is well written.

The actors are good. Blake Lively is a lovely beauty pageant contestant Anabelle and acts very well - probably one of the best acting jobs she has done out of Gossip Girl. She is a perfect fit for the role. Max Minghella as the embalmer Elvis while not a heartthrob is quite suited to this offbeat hero. They have chemistry a bit like Penn Badgley & Blake do in Gossip Girl. Mary Steenburgen is just right as the anxious pageant mom. Keith Carradine is good as the stepfather. Joe Mantegna is quite moving as Elvis's father.

Very highly recommended. Worth watching.

The movie made my wife cry (several times) and I thought about it (the movie) for several days afterward. We enjoyed it very much. So did everyone else at the showing (which was sold out). The film has an engaging story, happy ending, beautiful photography, great title, interesting setting (a mortuary without being gross)) and good actors. But it was also "different". The story in particular was thoughtful and well-written and, on its own, kept everyone engaged as the protagonists went from misguided misery to ignorant bliss to suspenseful drama, to . . . . I particularly liked Anabelle (beautiful and seemingly transparent acting), the mortician's father (deceptively sly in a positive fashion) and some of the "spare" dialog (which is hard to write). The mortician's devotion to his father was also touching. All in all, I strongly recommend the movie.

Opens with vincent price, appearing in an old horror film. This was released in 2007, so of course, he had been dead for about fifteen years! But as of today, he's not listed on imdb, even as archival footage. So just after winning the beauty pageant, anabelle (lively) has a heart attack and dies. But it doesn't stick! When elvis (minghella) starts to work on her (sort of..) she comes back to life. And this is the story of what happens after that. It's weird. But cute. Dealing with a whole lot of social worker issues in this one. But there's a love story, way down in there. Somewhere. Forgiveness ? Love. Happiness. Blake lively and mary steenburgen. Written and directed by will geiger. An odd little film. But cute.