Running Time: 103 minutes
This feature film from Ketchup Entertainment opens exclusively in theaters on August 28th.
While some movies have a very simple trajectory from being greenlit by a studio, shot, and then put into theaters some months later, there have been some exceptions. A lot of press surrounded the production history of Coyote vs. Acme, the “new” feature based around a famous Looney Tunes character. According to trade reports, everything went smoothly on the 2022 shoot and the film earned positive buzz. But when ownership of Warner Bros. changed the same year, the new regime decided to bury a couple of finished films (and one nearly completed feature) for a corporate tax write-off. This was one of the movies they intended to destroy, but after a few years and a lot of bad press, the studio ultimately allowed independent outfit Ketchup Entertainment to pick up the rights and release the movie.
After seemingly spending an eternity attempting to catch the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote finds himself in a depressed and hopeless state. He becomes aware that every time he uses an ACME product in his pursuits, it literally backfires and causes him pain. When the coyote sees a billboard for a claims lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte), he travels to Albuquerque, New Mexico and to start a lawsuit (of course, he may have an ulterior motive for his suit). Attorney Avery is beaten down himself by the world, and suggests asking for only a few hundred, but Avery’s niece Paige (Lana Condor) is far more enthusiastic. The case draws the attention of ACME Corporation lawyer Buddy Crane (John Cena). Buddy and his employers are hiding a secret about their organization that they would prefer to stay hidden. As the case progresses, Avery, Paige and Wile E. Coyote face grave danger, and encounter many familiar faces along the way.
This movie is a blend of live-action and animation and it works quite well. The 2D characters merge effectively with the real desert and New Mexico backdrops. And while this production isn’t as epic or as visually dazzling as Who Framed Roger Rabbit? or Looney Tune: Back in Action, the combination is slick and blends together well. The concept allows for a lot of physical humor from ACME products continually going wrong. And when the film delivers bigger set pieces, like a chase down an Albuquerque street or a few conflicts between characters in the desert, many of them earn laughs. There are also some fun cameos from familiar characters along the way.
Admittedly, not every joke works. There is a rapid-fire approach to the humor and some bits of craziness don’t land perfectly, but there is a big laugh every few minutes to keep things upbeat and moving. The human cast is really good as well. Naturally, they have to pretend that there are animated characters around them at all times, but Forte and even Cena have some convincing and very funny interactions and reactions to the craziness on display. The cast actually delivers some of the best moments in the film. Forte really shines, with his character often at odds and frustrated by his client, maximizing his irritated quips for maximum comedic effect.
But what really elevates the feature is the surprisingly heartfelt story. Both the leads are disheveled, downcast and beaten-down, yet really elicit viewer sympathy, even when they’re not behaving in their own best interests. They’re clearly in way over their heads, creating some unexpected internal drama, and the climax, which features a few of the human and animated characters reevaluating their relationships, makes a sweet and even emotional impression on the viewers.
It’s a real victory that this movie was released, and in some respects the story mirrors what occurred in real life. A scrappy underdog fights for some sort of recognition against a massive corporate entity that wants it to disappear. While things don’t go exactly according to plan, the plaintiff still manages to survive and earn self-respect in the process. Coyote vs. Acme is a funny and largely enjoyable feature that will impress anyone who fondly remembers, or still watches, Looney Tunes cartoons. It may have taken a beating from elements beyond its control, but it is a survivor that will hopefully find a welcome audience.
