Coyote vs. Acme Review: A Revived Comedy That Hits the Mark

      An attempted burial may have ultimately been the best thing for Coyote vs. Acme. This live-action/Looney Tunes hybrid was initially scheduled for release on HBO Max in 2023 but was then hidden away by Warner Bros. Discovery as part of tax write-offs. For a time, it seemed it would fade into obscurity, existing only through leaked screenshots, clips of Will Forte plunging into a pool, or a recording of a “Meep Meep” chorus.

      However, it was unexpectedly rescued by Ketchup Entertainment, a smaller distributor that, prior to releasing the also-shelved The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, was primarily known for anonymous action movies and Michel Franco’s Memory. This behind-the-scenes drama almost overshadowed the film itself, which had ample time to build anticipation in audiences excited by the premise of Wile E. Coyote suing the Acme Corporation. Rest assured, Coyote vs. Acme delivers exactly what you’d hope for from that concept, featuring just the right blend of satirical and philosophical elements to appeal to adults while entertaining children with minimal crude humor. Watching it prompts one to question why Warner Bros. didn’t release it in theaters from the outset.

      The first indication that we’re in competent hands appears right away. One of the script’s earliest character introductions is—surprisingly—Peter Lorre. In this world, he portrays a scientist at the Acme Corporation (distinct from the grocery chain) who eludes security guards using a variety of dubious gadgets like Expanding Boulders and Large Magnets. The second sign of quality is the law firm managing the named court case: Avery, Jones, and Maltese. It’s a naming style that could only arise from a creative team with profound respect for both the Looney Tunes and the art of animation itself.

      An advertisement for that law firm sets Wile E. on his legal journey, following a montage of Acme products exploding in his face during his pursuit of the elusive Roadrunner. His attorney is Will Forte’s Kevin Avery, a lawyer who is faring better than Jimmy McGill more in the sense that he doesn’t engage in illegal activities. In fact, he’s rather apathetic; his “big lesson” for his niece and intern, Paige, is to stop trying, as the legal profession will wear her down just as it did him. Unfortunately for Kevin, Acme’s lead attorney, Buddy Crane (John Cena), vows to defeat them after Wile E. declines a paltry settlement, escalating the case to trial and creating a mix of legal comedy and thriller (so many documents to review!). Forte effectively plays the straight man, while Cena complements him perfectly as a cartoonish antagonist. The cast is nicely rounded off by Lana Condor as Avery’s spirited niece, who hasn’t yet been beaten down by the system.

      Director Dave Green maintains a steady pace, skillfully incorporating just the right amount of background jokes to surprise viewers without making the antics feel overwhelming. His integration of CGI with live-action primarily succeeds. The “Toons” employ a cel-shaded style that extends to the objects they interact with—like a folder or a motorcycle. The transition isn’t always seamless; early on, Foghorn Leghorn’s introduction creates some odd dissonance between the 2D style and 3D figures. However, when it works, it works brilliantly. Often, the funniest moments last only a fleeting second—my personal favorite being a witch who asks, “you good?” before zooming off with a laugh. Screenwriter Samy Burch (May December, Late Fame) and Green play with cartoon tropes and physics in both dialogue and visuals, prioritizing the spontaneity of the scenario over rigid “world-building” or “reality.”

      I was not expecting this film to be unexpectedly poignant, yet it genuinely earns that description by its conclusion. It’s not some desperate attempt at sentimentality; rather, it crystallizes the question guiding the movie and Wile E. himself. Cartoons are inherently absurd, and the Coyote leads an absurdist existence, much like we did in 2023 and even more so now. This theme resonates well with how the legal system often feels like pushing a boulder uphill, adding depth to the narrative without overwhelming it. It’s not groundbreaking, but Coyote vs. Acme serves as both a reminder of why we love the Looney Tunes and an homage to “The Daily Fight.” Above all, it’s just solid family entertainment reminiscent of the kind that was once commonplace—a refreshing change amidst a flood of mediocre content. One can only hope to see a coyote chasing a bird off a cliff again soon.

      Coyote vs. Acme premieres on August 28.