The animated-live-action hybrid film “Coyote vs. Acme,” which was nearly lost to a corporate tax write-off, is now slated for an August 28 theatrical release after being acquired by distributor Ketchup Entertainment.
Initially part of a trio of completed projects shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav three years ago, the $70 million film has been praised for its humor and faithfulness to the beloved Looney Tunes characters.
The movie centers on Wile E. Coyote's perpetual, and often disastrous, attempts to catch the Road Runner, with his failures consistently attributed to malfunctioning Acme Corporation products. The premise takes a turn when Wile E. hires a personal injury lawyer, Kevin (Will Forte), to sue the Acme Corporation for the faulty merchandise that has thwarted his efforts. The plot is further complicated when Bugs Bunny appears as a whistleblower.
Directed by Dave Green and written by Samy Burch, the film blends live-action and 2D animation in a style reminiscent of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” The narrative explores a conspiracy involving the Acme Corporation, with the Road Runner serving as the key witness to Wile E.'s numerous misfortunes. The film has been noted for its surprising and emotional ending.
Reviewers have highlighted the film's consistent humor, with many jokes starting subtly and building to comedic effect. Specific gags mentioned include Wile E. reading a book titled “How To Wait Around Dramatically” and a news report about a mouse breaking the sound barrier. A scene featuring John Cena as Acme’s lawyer berating Tweety Bird for his testimony has also been singled out for its humor.
Forte's performance as Kevin Avery has been praised, with the actor noted for his ability to navigate the world where humans and cartoons coexist. The voice cast is also commended for delivering strong performances, a contrast to what has sometimes been seen in other recent animated films.
“Coyote vs. Acme” is rated PG for cartoon violence and some language, with a running time of 103 minutes. The film's near-disappearance and subsequent acquisition have been a significant point of discussion surrounding its release.