One key to the enjoyment of 3000 Miles to Graceland is acceptance of Kurt Russell and Kevin Costner as Elvis Presley impersonators. That’s not hard to do in Russell’s case. He’s done Elvis before --- and brilliantly. For his 1979 television portrayal of the King in This Is Elvis, Russell earned an Emmy nomination (and should have won!) Although Costner’s Elvis takes a greater leap of the imagination, both actors deliver exciting performances as ex-cons who rob a Las Vegas casino during a convention of Elvis impersonators.

Neither man plays an admirable character, but Russell’s Michael at least displays a bit of humanity. Appalled at the violent streak shown by Murphy (Costner) during their bloody getaway, Michael is careful not to kill anyone. He also develops empathy for a young kleptomaniac (David Kaye) and his sexy grifter mom (Courtney Cox, at her feisty best).

Because Russell is Hollywood’s most underrated actor (check out Breakdown if you don’t believe me), his multi-layered depiction of a criminal with a conscience didn’t surprise me. By looking skeptical at everyone and everything around him, Russell projects the essence of Michael’s outlook on life. Later, his vulnerability shines through in poignant scenes with Cox and Kaye, especially when these three become almost like a family.

Playing a vicious killer, Costner takes on a daring role for a star usually seen as the hero (Dances with Wolves) or romantic lead (Tin Cup). As a matter of fact, he was originally scheduled to be Michael instead of Murphy. But Costner persuaded director Demien Lichtenstein to make the switch. "I had never played a sociopath with no conscience at all, so that was the character I was interested in," he declares. Obviously enjoying this new experience, Costner’s Murphy emerges as a human scorpion eager to poison anyone who stands in his way. Although totally watchable in this dynamic role, Costner sometimes appears more like a cartoon villain than a real person. Taking it down a few notches might have resulted in a more convincing performance.

Working with three other ex-cons, Michael and Murphy disguise themselves as Elvis impersonators in order to pull off a major casino heist. Billed as the "Elvi 5," the group also includes characters played by Christian Slater (The Contender), David Arquette (Scream), and Bokeem Woodbine (Dead Presidents). Unbeknownst to the rest of his gang, Murphy plans to end up with the entire $3.2 million score.

To begin the fiery robbery sequence, all five men swagger into the Riviera wearing sideburns, dark glasses, and gaudy Elvis costumes. When things go wrong, the Elvi 5 escape with guns blazing, shooting everyone and everything in sight. As the crime takes place, cinematographer David Franco (The Whole Nine Yards) cleverly combines shots of the robbers in action with a Las Vegas production number featuring an actual Elvis impersonator and gorgeous show girls. (Am I the only one who wanted to see more of the musical number than the robbery? I don’t think so, thank you very much.)

Most of the movie’s humor comes from Murphy’s resentment at not being recognized as Presley’s illegitimate son. He goes nuts when anyone jokes about the King, and his sideburns are the real thing. I also found Michael’s relationship with the youngster played by Kaye quite amusing. This precocious lad outsmarts the surprised criminal at every turn, stealing his heart as well as his wallet.

Supporting cast members Kevin Pollack (End of Days), Thomas Haden Church (George of the Jungle), Howie Long (Broken Arrow), and Jon Lovitz (City Slickers II) are satisfactory in the roles of two lawmen, a helicopter pilot, and a money-launderer respectively. But it is Russell who makes this violent thriller worth seeing. IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to stay for the closing credits. Otherwise you’ll miss the best part of the film --- Russell doing his great Elvis moves!

(Released by Warner Bros. and rated "R" for strong violence, sexuality, and language.)