A new Looney Tunes comedy film, “Coyote vs. Acme was released in theaters on Aug. 28.
The film focuses on the titular Wile E. Coyote and his never-ending quest to catch Road Runner. After failing one too many times in his efforts, thanks to the failure of Acme Corporation, Coyote decides to sue the megacorporation with the help of low-stakes injury lawyer Kevin Avery (played by Will Forte). As they work to win the case, Avery and Coyote will uncover a secret plot to bring the megacorporation to its knees.
The film was originally completed in 2023, but was shelved by Warner Bros. Pictures to get a tax write-off of $30 million. After backlash from fans and critics, Warner Bros. sold the distribution rights to Ketchup Entertainment. Three years later, fans were eagerly awaiting the release of the film they fought for.
“Coyote vs. Acme” uses a mix of computer-generated animation and live-action performances to create its characters. In a manner reminiscent of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” actors perform alongside cartoons who bring a level of chaos to any scene they’re a part of, which the live-action performers take as just a regular part of everyday life. This mix of slapstick comedy and deadpan acceptance leads to its own ironic bit of humor.
Many icons of Looney Tunes cartoons make appearances in this film. Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird and Foghorn Leghorn are only a few of the characters with cameos in the film. Despite the large number of animated icons showing up, the film still manages to focus on Coyote and the live-action cast.
The film attempts to be a character study of Coyote. Between scenes of chaotic action and wild humor, the film tries to break down Coyote’s reason for trying to catch Road Runner and his relationship to the bird. Although not incredibly deep, these questions help Coyote feel more like a character than simply a silent object of the audience’s amusement.
The comedy in the film is also well done. Jokes litter every inch of the film, but few overstay their welcome. The film uses its Looney Tunes style of slapstick humor to its fullest potential, making the film feel sometimes like the audience is watching an episode of the series. Even though some jokes aren’t given as much room to breathe as they needed, many land exactly as they were meant to.
The live-action cast does their best to live up to the inherently goofy cast of cartoons around them. Avery, for example, is portrayed as a bumbling failure of a lawyer who knows he is way out of his depth trying to sue Acme, putting him right at home beside Coyote and his explosive accidents. On the opposite side of the spectrum, Acme’s lawyer, Buddy Crane (played by John Cena), is so egotistical and serious it loops back around to being comedic. Characters like these and their humorous existence provide the backbone for the entire film’s ability to make its world of cartoons feel real.
The story itself is nothing to write home about. It follows a classic structure of lawyer films: the underdog lawyers facing off against the seemingly unbeatable opposition. When all hope seems lost, they find some form of evidence to give them the edge they need in the case. Anyone going to this movie expecting anything beyond the minimum a narrative can provide will be disappointed.
That being said, the plot didn’t need to be much beyond the basics to do its job. The story was primarily only a vessel to place the comedy in and did what was needed of it. Although it would have been preferable to see more effort put into the plot, the movie can survive with the bare minimum so it can allow the comedy to be in the forefront.
All in all, “Coyote vs. Acme” is an enjoyable comedy adventure that does its job well. The characters are fun and the jokes hit in the classic Looney Tunes style. The overall story may be shallow; the film does what it set out to do and brings a fun time to the audience.
Rating: 3.5/5
