3000 Miles to Graceland (2001) * *

 

Directed by:  Demian Lichtenstein

Starring:  Kevin Costner, Kurt Russell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Christian Slater, Bokeem Woodbine, Kevin Pollak, David Kaye Marshal, Jon Lovitz, Ice-T, Howie Long

Violent thieves dress up as Elvis impersonators and rob a casino of over $3 million in 3000 Miles to Graceland.   Then, Murphy (Costner), the leader of the gang, decides he doesn't want to split the loot and starts killing off his crew.   The three guys not named Kurt Russell disappear first (no spoiler there), and Mike (Russell) soon finds himself on the run with single mother Cybil (Cox) and her son in tow.   Mike stumbles upon Cybil and son Jesse while hiding out.   Although at first Cybil dreams of keeping the money herself, she decides to help Mike evade the sociopath Murphy.

That's the movie in a nutshell.  There isn't much to it that is inspired or unpredictable.   Mike and Murphy don't even change their appearances or even the 50's style monstrosities they drive, so tracking them shouldn't be much trouble.   This is quite a cast for such a meh movie.   The only question that remains is whether Mike, Murphy, or both were sired by The King.   The movie speculates on the possibilities.   

Costner makes a satisfying, sneering villain and Russell is more of a hero than the movie deserves.   Mike robs banks, but he isn't a homicidal maniac like Murphy and he seems to be warming up to Cybil and Jesse, so by default he's a better guy than Murphy.  3000 Miles to Graceland has ingredients for at least a fun caper heist, but they never come together.   There isn't much joy in 3000 Miles to Graceland.   If you're looking for a decent movie featuring Elvis impersonators in Las Vegas, try Honeymoon in Vegas, not this one.