Paradise Hawaiian Style

With Elvis, Hawaii IS paradise!
A sort of repeat of "Blue Hawaii", but "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" shows more exotic locations. Only this time around Elvis takes you by air. He stars as a handsome unemployed helicopter pilot who decides to open his own helicopter tourist service with his partner. Along the way, Elvis can't keep several beautiful wahinis out of his hair. "Is this any way to run an airline?" You bet! With one look at this movie, you'll see it's not called "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" for nothing. The young child costar Donna Butterworth was a huge Elvis fan before she starred in this picture with Elvis. Why not? A little girl who loved Elvis to death and now she's doing a motion picture with him in person. You could call it a dream come true. Elvis fans, don't delay.

A decent Presley movie saved by the scenery
As Red West said in the book, "Elvis, What Happened?" Paradise, Hawaiian Style failed to capture the artistic majesty of Blue Hawaii, but the box office never complained.

After slipping box office returns from Tickle Me, Harum Scarum and other clunkers, Elvis returned to familiar territory in Hawaii.

The movie has a somewhat decent script and songs which are supported by the breathtaking scenery.

I agree with another review that Elvis went through the motions on this one, though. When he sang songs, he didn't have his usual spunk as far as gyrating and reallying putting himself into it. He either just stood in place or slowly walked around, just going through the motions of the songs.

And yes, he was a bit out of shape. In "Elvis What Happened?" it was reported that he showed up on the set 30 pounds overweight. He lived on diet pills for about a week before filming started and gradually got back into shape by the time it was in the can.

With more vigor...

Return To the Island State.
In this movie, Elvis plays a laid off airline pilot who returns to his home state of Hawaii (he's the descendant of missionaries) and starts a helicopter transportation business with his best friend. The scenery in the movie isn't as breathtaking as in BLUE HAWAII. Nevertheless, the plot of the movie is much more believable and well written than BLUE HAWAII. However, the improvement in the script is dragged down by Elvis' apparent lack of enthusiasm; during the singing sequences he just goes through the motions with no emotion whatsoever. Yet, there is some excitement in the movie found in an unlikely source: the King is stood up in this film by 10 year old Donna Butterworth who steals practically every scene she is a part. Overall, pretty much, just your average Elvis flick.

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