Despite Space Jam being released when I was less than a year old, it was a film I’ve watched so many times, and a film I love. Looney Tunes was also something I watched a decent amount of as a child as well, loving all of the characters in their own ways. A Space Jam sequel took a long time to come and continued their disappointing reception at the box office and with audiences after Looney Tunes: Back in Action. It then also asked the question if people even still cared about these beloved characters. Clearly this was a thought process that Warner Bros were going through when they decided to add Coyote vs Acme to their list of films that were to be a tax write-off (the other notable film was Batgirl). The outcry was not only huge for both films, but also felt pointless for both as they had completed filming. Small protests and internet outcry got the attention of Ketchup Entertainment, who inquired about buying the film from WB, where they successfully did so and completed post production on the film to bring us to today, where the film is now in cinemas.

Coyote vs Acme sees Wile E Coyote attempt to sue the Acme corporation for all the products that have caused him harm in his many extravagant attempts to catch the Road Runner. Meanwhile, his lawyer looks to uncover the truth about Acme and what this huge corporation is really up to.

Whenever we get a film that crosses over live-action with animated characters, they are immediately compared to what is seen as the peak of this type of film, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. A film that truly understood the assignment and the tone that they were going for with strong performances. I think you can firmly put this film in the same category. The obvious story beat about an underdog trying to take down a huge organisation is perfect given the journey this film has been on just to get released. Director, Dave Green must have been fearing the worst, but the fact this film now has that story about just the release, only adds to the impact this film has on the audience that knows that story. Not only does this film have the usual hijinks you would expect from a Looney Tunes film, it also has its heart in the right place. Several moments play on how well you would know these characters and have seen Coyote chasing after Road Runner for decades.

Will Forte leads the human cast, and does such a fantastic job, I honestly think you could swap out Wile E Coyote for a real person, and Forte’s performance wouldn’t feel any difference. I do wonder if from an acting point of view it makes it easier because Coyote doesn’t talk. John Cena feels like the perfect casting for this type of film. He knows how to have fun and play it straight and again completely understood his role and what to bring. It feels natural for him to be in this film, and I’d watch more.

I do have a couple of negatives against the film. I don’t think every joke lands in its entirety, but that’s relatively normal with anything comedy related. The other thing I didn’t personally like was their use of some of the other Looney Tunes characters. I understand they feel like they have to squeeze the likes of Daffy, Tweety and Bugs into a film like this, but when they turn up they almost don’t feel like themselves, and it feels like we have missed something that’s happened to them to get to this point. You do see a bit of Tweety’s story to this point, but it feels like such a jump for Tweety to be doing what they’re doing that it’s not consistent to what we know, which is the opposite when you compare that to the fact that Wile E and Road Runner are exactly what we’ve seen many times before.

Overall, Coyote vs Acme is one of the most fun cinema experiences of the year. I’m glad I was able to see it in the cinema, the way it should have always been. The heart of the film is carried by solid performances from the real actors, and elevated by the moments with the animated ones. A tough lesson to learn for WB, who ultimately likely don’t care now they’re in the process of being bought.

What did you think of Coyote vs Acme?

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