The movie was definitely shot on a low budget. The horror aspect of the story, involving a mummy who wears cowboy boots and a feathered hat, is about as scary as an old Night Stalker episode. I liked Night Stalker, though, so it isn't that bad. Just don't expect expensive special effects, as I'm guessing the whole film was made for less than the catering bill of your average Hollywood feature.

If you've seen either of The Matrix sequels, you know that no amount of money or special effects will make up for a lousy script. The script for Bubba Ho-Tep is really its selling point. We've all gone to see bad movies just for the special effects or action sequences. Believe me, you'll feel more satisfied seeing a film with low quality special effects and action sequences, but a truly original story.

While the horror is cheesy, and the humor is often raunchy or dark, the film has a real warmth to it. If you are like me, and find profound philosophical issues in The Simpsons and Seinfeld episodes, then you will see beyond the belly laughs and into the deeper soul of this movie. It makes you think about what growing old must be like. You will question your own values and ponder on what is truly important in life.

Bubba Ho-Tep is not a Hollywood blockbuster designed by a committee to appeal to the maximum number of filmgoers, and that's what made me love it so much. If you can hardly wait for the Bewitched movie or Rush Hour 3, this may not be the film for you. There's nothing comforting, familiar or predigested about it. I like my flicks a little chewy, anyway.

All I have to say to writer and director Don Cascarelli, quoting Mr. Presley, is "Thank you. Thank you very much."