Fionn Dixon reviews Coyote vs. Acme, the newest addition to the Looney Tunes cinematic universe and what could have been Warner Bros most recent cinematic mistake
In 1988, Who Framed Roger Rabbit was released to critical acclaim, seeing a blend between the realistic physical world and the fantastical animated one. Though not the first feature film to follow such a strange and imaginative format, it was the first to blend the animated characters of Looney Tunes with footage of the real, physical world. Since it’s release, there have been several hybrid theatrical releases to follow suit, including characters such as Space Jam in 1996, and most recently, this past month’s Coyote vs Acme.
Though you won’t think it, the film itself is actually based on a satirical 1990 New Yorker article by Ian Frazier, of all things. The piece follows this satirical storytelling of a fictional legal brief between plaintiff Wile E. Coyote, as he sues the Acme Corporation for the years of injuries he faced through their products in his endless pursuit of the quick and elusive Road Runner.
Before even reaching theatres, the film saw major setbacks. In 2023, it was announced that Coyote vs Acme, among other Warner Bros. films, had been axed by the production company for an estimated $30 million tax write off. Warner Bros. clearly believed that the film, which had a reported $70 million budget, would not see financial success, especially when accounting for the extra millions it would cost to promote and distribute the film. Even though the film had completed filming in early 2022, and the 3D animation had also been fully finalised, it was pulled from the release schedule before being officially shelved for good.
This was… until the public received news of its shelving. Fans’ overwhelming outcry led to a decision by Warner Bros. executives- one that they have not given to most other cancelled projects in their catalogue, such as Batgirl. They allowed director Dave Green to shop the film around Hollywood to other distribution companies and eventually, Ketchup Entertainment picked up the film, allowing it to get the silver screen debut it deserved.
With all of the history behind Coyote vs Acme considered, was the film worthy of all the hassle? Unequivocally so. The animation is a big step up from the last Looney Tunes hybrid film, 2021's Space Jam: A New Legacy. It’s 3D animation looks far more stylised and smooth while emulating the 2D charm that the characters are best known for, and done far more seamlessly. The way cartoons manage to bend and manipulate the real world, such as the wobbling and hopping roads beneath Road Runner's feet, is not as jarring as expected, while still remaining cartoonish enough to remain fantastical.
The comedy is, I personally believe, the best out of any film in the Looney Tunes verse. There is, of course, the classic slapstick and physics bending bits throughout the film, yet they do not overpower the more hidden and spoken jokes. As always, there are an immense number of jokes that fly over the kids’ heads, making this film suitable for any age and not just relegated to children as so many other “family” films these days.
This ridiculous perspective taken by Frazier fits perfectly into the wacky world of the characters and delivers an interesting, hilarious, and oftentimes saddening narrative for the titular Wile E. Coyote. While other characters such as Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck often take center stage alongside the human companions, it is truly Wile E.’s time to shine in this film, and shine he does. With zero spoken dialogue from the character, it is extremely impressive how he was still able to remain so hilarious off of almost purely slapstick.
The cartoons are not the brightest spot of the film, however, as the real life actors all do a phenomenal job, not just comedically but dramatically as well. Will Forte has the standout performance as Kevin Avery. Beginning the film as a rundown and lazy lawyer taking easy cases against the Acme Corporation, he grows to become more headstrong, confident, and almost as erratic as his client. His comedic chops are excellent- as to be expected from the former SNL star, yet it is in the more melancholic scenes that he truly shines. To show such emotions as frustration and anger while also depicting his growing friendship with a character he can not even see while acting emphasises how Forte does not need to be boxed into comedic roles, as he can clearly elevate them beyond audience expectations.
Lana Condor as Forte’s protege Paige is truly the heart of the film. Without her character, the narrative would halt, and Avery would not grow into the competent and capable lawyer he was meant to be. That being said, the typical naivety and innocence of characters such as Paige in other films can often not stand out, yet Condor’s acting and screen presence allow the character to truly reach audiences personally and grow beyond a typical cliché.
John Cena as Acme lawyer Buddy Crane was astoundingly hilarious. Cena, Dave Bautista, and Dwayne Johnson have long been pitted against each other by fans as to who is the best actor to come from the WWE. In recent years, it has become clear that Cena truly is an excellent actor, with his character being a complete standout in every scene.
Coyote vs Acme is truly an excellent film for all ages, the best of the Looney Tunes theatrical releases, I would say. So, while it is still in theatres, and with its tumultuous history considered, it is the perfect feel good film to see if you need a laugh or just want to show your support.