2023 Show
John Eddie & Priscilla Presley · United States of America · English
The King of Rock and Roll reimagined as ultimate 60s spy, let down by the humor
Agent Elvis is the latest reimagining of the King, this time as a cool and collected James Bond-esque spy in a 60s neon-lit world. The adult animation series takes fun and unserious turns, in 1960s world history and also in Elvis’ life. The show turns faulty on-stage shows into recollecting spy trauma, poor film performances into body doubles that step in during his missions, and pins known financial troubles to a cartoon monkey. It’s an interesting approach from co-creators John Eddie and ex-wife Priscilla, along with some cool animated sequences. It would have been successful in reimagining Elvis at his best, if the comedy was funny enough to match.
Elvis Presley trades in his white jumpsuit for a jet pack when he is covertly inducted into a secret government spy program to help battle the dark forces that threaten the country he loves — all while holding down his day job as the King of Rock & Roll.
While being the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley (Matthew McConnaughey) moonlights as the ultimate crime-fighting spy.
While the comedy is a letdown, what Agent Elvis does supremely well is the animation. From Sony Animation and Vancouver animation studio Titmouse, the art style of Agent Elvis recalls old comic panel action and Robert Valley-inspired geometric character designs, and it makes the series’ action looks so damn cool. Thick-lined noir shadows meet 1960s neon in this show, and the style is paired with creative transitions and action lines that make each sequence look so watchable. It’s honestly a shame that the plot and dialogue doesn’t seem to match.
How the heck did they make Elvis seem totally unfunny?
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
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