Simply Perfect

Overrated and overhyped

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Elvis Presley was a hugely influential performer with one of the most distinctive singing voices of anybody. He embarked on a film career consisting of 33 films from 1956 to 1969, films that did well at the box-office but mostly panned critically (especially his later films) and while he was a highly charismatic performer he was never considered a great actor.Am of the opinion that his early efforts pre-'Kissin' Cousins', his first mediocre at best film, ranged from decent to very good, while his films between 'Kissin' Cousins' and 'Harum Scarum' were more variable. Of his films 'King Creole', 'Flaming Star', 'Jailhouse Rock', 'Viva Las Vegas' and 'Loving You' fare best. Those films, and most of his late 50s-early 60s films, looked good, had great soundtracks, great supporting casts and showed that Elvis could be a very capable actor when his material allowed it, even when the dialogue and stories were in a few of them were not strong suits ('King Creole' was a notable exception though). Am also of the opinion that Elvis' film career was an uneven one, while there were good films and performances there were also bad films where he looked bored, where the films had not so good soundtracks and looked cheap, a notable example being his previous film 'Harum Scarum' (widely considered one of his worst for good reason).Worse efforts than 'Paradise Hawaiian Style'? Marginally yes, it is a little better than 'Harum Scarum' and some of his later films. It is still a lesser effort in his career though. Not terrible but very much mediocre, and most components even less than that.There are good things with 'Paradise Hawaiian Style'. It looks pretty good, with suitably exotic scenery beautifully photographed. It is not as cheap-looking as his later films or previous efforts like 'Kissin' Cousins', 'Harum Scarum' and 'Frankie & Johnny'.Of a pretty poor cast generally, Donna Butterworth is the one good standout, sweet and charming with a great voice. The soundtrack is one of the overall worst for an Elvis film, but the title song just about passes muster as a nice enough song.Otherwise, there is very little to recommend it. The material throughout is not up to par and it is abundantly clear that Elvis himself knows it. He is the most uncomfortable he's ever been up to that point and looks utterly bored and like he wasn't even trying to act. The supporting cast are no better, with the girls having sex appeal but nothing more than that, and the rest having little to do and doing nothing with it. Chemistry is non-existent.As for the songs, to say that they are unmemorable and sub-par is being far too kind to these adjectives. Quite frankly, apart from one they are a complete embarrassment with the titles and lyrics to make one groan, feel thrown in, are sloppily lip-synched, indifferently staged and performed with no engagement. The direction is throughout dull.Have no better news to say about the script and story. The script will make the toes curl of even people not expecting much from the script in the first place, after all people don't watch an Elvis film for the script or expecting it to be good, in even some of the best efforts the dialogue is a weak link. The story is like a retread of 'Blue Hawaii', and by now is well shopworn, it's also paper thin, sluggishly paced and goes well overboard on the silliness. Complete with naff, being annoying and far too saccharine, scenes with children that just drag the film down even further.In conclusion, mediocre at best film where describing it as paradise is very much ironic. 4/10 Bethany Cox

This was a movie that I watched primarily because of the photography of 1960s Hawaii. In the opening scene, there's a great pan of Diamond Head all the way to the Ilikai hotel. If you spend much time in Hawaii, you'll notice hotels that don't exists yet and several that are even being built during the filming of this movie. Specifically, you can see the Outrigger Waikiki under construction as well as what is now known as the Resortquest Waikiki Beach. Ironically, the Resortquest Waikiki Beach is now an Elvis era themed hotel. The Sheraton Waikiki is an empty lot.Another really neat observation is the scene at the beach park near Chinaman's hat. It is literally timeless! The beach looks the same today as it does in the movie. Almost everything else has changed in many ways.The film won't be an example of great acting and certainly the plot leaves a lot to be desired. On the other hand, it's fun to see the island from 40 years ago. Even Kalakaua Ave is a two-way street!

Paradise, Hawaiian Style is the second of three films Elvis Presley filmed in Hawaii. What a lucky guy, three trips to Hawaii for free at Paramount's expense. Good a reason as any to visit the islands.Elvis plays a pilot who gets together with good buddy James Shigeta to form a helicopter touring and freighting service. Shigeta takes care of the business end of the business and Elvis both flies and charms his way into the hearts of various local beauties to plug his service at the hotels they work at.Funniest thing in the movie is Elvis trying to fly a helicopter with about five dogs running around with their ditzy owner as well, miracle he wasn't killed. The owner insists they not go in doggie carriers and Elvis, desperate for business, is the only pilot to agree with that insanity.Paradise, Hawaiian Style is not as good as Blue Hawaii, the songs he sings here are markedly inferior. But I like the film because a lot of it was shot at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Northern Oahu. Some might recognize the film music used when Elvis makes his first appearance there. It's the famous theme from Donovan's Reef, also shot in Hawaii and another favorite of mine.That center was the highlight of the attractions I saw in the Aloha State and should not be missed by any tourists.Another reviewer said the film must have been a deal with the Hawaiian Tourism Board with all the beautiful outdoor location shooting. Good a reason as I've ever heard to watch a film.

Producer Hal Wallis uses the same formula as "Blue Hawaii" to no avail. Rick Richards (Presley) enters a partnership in a charter helicopter service with his buddy played by James Shigeta. Richards is temporarily ground by the FAA for losing control of his chopper. Meanwhile Shigeta crashes on a flight with his daughter on board. Without a license, Richards to the rescue. Donna Butterworth plays the sweet little scene stealer. The grown up girls that help by just being there are Suzanne Leigh, Marianna Hill and Linda Wong. Nine songs make up a pleasant soundtrack. "This Is My Heaven" and "Stop Where You Are" are hidden among much flirtation with foolishness. Kauai is a breathe taking backdrop; but "Blue Hawaii" this is not.