This is one of those films that I believe deserves to be given the status of “Cult Classic.” First off, saying this right off the bat doesn’t make sense for two very considerable reasons. 1) Is the fact that it is a still a relatively new release and 2) is that any film that makes a conscious effort to be considered “cult” can usually never be considered “cult.”One perfectly relevant example of the second fact is the insipid and soul-less “re-imagining” of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” that’s currently making its rounds at your local Cineplex.”Bubba Ho-Tep” is the latest from Don Coscarelli Jr. who wrote and directed this feature length film based on the short story by cult author, Joe R. Lansdale. Coscarelli is best known for the Phantasm series of films and Lansdale is best known for being a writer for “Batman: The Animated Series.”The main draw for most people to watch this film is its star, Bruce Campbell. Campbell is debatably the greatest and most revered B-movie actor. Bruce Campbell is this generation’s Bela Lugosi. Fans of the “Evil Dead” series of films will come to “Bubba Ho-Tep” with high expectations and I believe that they won’t be disappointed.There is a strong and poignant story held within this horror/farce. But a proper synopsis of the story would be to say that it is about Elvis Presley (Campbell) who didn’t actually die but switched places with an impersonator who was the one that died during his trip to the loo.From there he ended up in a nursing home in Texas where all the geriatrics that reside there are dying one by one every night.A black man (Ossie Davis) who believes he is John F. Kennedy dyed black to avoid those who tried to assassinate him, uncovers that an ancient mummy is feeding on the souls of the geezers.Such is the premise for a battle between the king of rock and the king of the dead.While this premise sounds like it needs a punch line this film is actually played very straight. The portrayal of the elderly is the most heart breaking, pensive, and realistic I’ve seen in quite some time.They are in pain and aware of how death creepeth upon them. While the film is very funny for someone as naturally melancholy as myself, I left my seat in doldrums over how humanistic the film played itself out.Much of the credit for how contemplative this film is belongs to its star. Bruce Campbell’s Elvis is more caricature then corporeality but so cogitative that you feel for him.His reflecting over growing old and missing out of the life of his wife and daughter offer real incite. This is the best performance of Campbell’s career so far. I only hope there’s better yet to come from him.The main source of comedic relief is Ossie Davis as “JFK.” Weather he’s talking on his red phone in his room with baby blue carpet, getting “Baby Ruth’s” from a drawer full of them in his desk, or gloating over how Marilyn was, sexually speaking; Davis nails his performance as the former President. He makes a great Robin archetype to Campbell’s Batman luminary.This is one of those smaller films that never get the acclamation they deserve. It’s low budget but the top echelon of low budget. It’s not trying to look like high art or higher budget fare.Instead it chooses to revel in it’s low budget horror trappings while having a script that’s better then 67 percent of the traditional commercial fare you can choose from at the Cineplex.Speaking of the low budget, the special effects in this movie are cheap. Cheap meaning bargain basement priced, economical, and inexpensive. But knowing the budget was so low they made the low budget effects charming.The mummy itself is ridiculously horrible looking but they outfit it with a cowboy hat, chaps, and huge boots. It is those little touches to the obviously cut-rate “Bubba Ho-Tep” costume makes it endearing to the audience.That amount of effort and detail permeate throughout every part of the movie. It is my belief that it is the small touches not usually noticed that are the very things that make something good turn into something great.Director Coscarelli knew from the beginning he had something special and you see it in his work. Confident, collected, and composed are three words to describe his direction in this film.If you’re looking for something different or a film of substance I suggest you find out where “Bubba Ho-Tep” is playing and catch a showing of it.