Educational Media Reviews Online

The Last Elvis is the English title for Armando Bo’s first feature film. The original Spanish title is El Ultimo Elvis, which is probably more apt, although tribute artist John McInerny plays the part of Carlos “Elvis” Guttierez as both gloriously “ultimate” when on stage and poignantly “last” when he must face his real life. The film delves into the world of tribute artists and impersonators, people, who to some degree, lose their own selves, identities and personalities to live the life of their idols.

Carlos is estranged from his wife and understands how his daughter Lisa Marie can be taken away from him. He works in a factory and spends his free time performing at weddings, parties and tribute shows. He socializes with other tribute artists and impersonators in an amusing sequence at a party that yields Boy George, Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop and Barbra Streisand impersonators. When his wife ends up critically ill in the hospital Carlos must make decisions to deal with his life and the love he has for his daughter. He follows in the footsteps of Elvis Presley, as he feels his destiny leads him, and ends up at Graceland to enact the ultimate tribute to Elvis himself.

This highly entertaining film tugs at emotional strings and reveals the sadness of individuals who are compelled to act out destinies fashioned by celebrity culture. John McInerny, although he does not physically resemble Elvis Presley, channels his music and pathos perfectly.