‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Review: A Legal Looney Triumph Worth Fighting For

The Coyote vs. Acme review is finally being written, and it’s a story more remarkable than even the most improbable Wile E. Coyote scheme. This is a movie that went from being shelved for a tax write-off to becoming a cause célèbre for fans and filmmakers alike, and the result is a delightful, smart, and surprisingly touching comedy that proves some battles are worth fighting.

In a time when Hollywood is ravenous for safe IP, a Looney Tunes comedy starring the likes of Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor should have seemed an easy layup for box office success. Add to that it was written by Academy Award–nominated screenwriter Samy Burch (May December) and produced by James Gunn, and it would seem Coyote vs. Acme could have been a tentpole for the storied studio, appealing to the family demographic hungry for fun for all ages. And yet, in November of 2023, Warner Bros. Entertainment shocked the industry by announcing the completed film would be shelved indefinitely so they could claim a tax loss of about $30 million. WB took similar write-downs for Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt, leaving fans of both properties drop-jawed and powerless.

Thankfully, Looney Tunes fans have been spared such profound frustration by Ketchup Entertainment, which successfully bought the distribution rights to Coyote vs. Acme. And just like that, a silly David versus Goliath story became weirdly self-reflective. The film’s release is a testament to the power of public outcry, and a credit at the end dedicates the film to “everyone who posted, shared, held up signs and spoke out when it counted.”

Directed by Dave Green, Coyote vs. Acme imagines a world like Who Framed Roger Rabbit? or Chip and Dale: Rescue Rangers. In all three films, cartoon characters live alongside live-action humans and are often treated with disdain for their lunacy. But Coyote vs. Acme takes this culture clash to a socio-political level, creating a satire that’s silly and stuffed with slapstick, but thought-provoking all the same.

Leave it to Burch, who turned the sordid tale of Mary Kay Letourneau into a deliciously uncomfortable dark comedy, to create a whistleblower legal drama centered around a chaotic coyote, known for his failures of catching a bright blue roadrunner. Their story begins when, after another failed attempt to use Acme products to snare the speedy bird, Wile E. Coyote sees a cheesy commercial for the law offices of Avery, Jones, and Maltese (each name a nod to a classic Looney Tunes animator: Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, and Michael Maltese).

Will Forte stars as Kevin Avery, a lawyer who makes his living suing Acme in small claims court. In his ad, he’s giving Cellino and Barnes, promising cartoon clients quick cash for their pain and suffering. His partners, Sal Maltese (Tone Bell) and Dottie Jones (Martha Kelly), are similarly focused, seeking easy settlements that require no court time. However, when Wile E. shows up with a mountain of evidence of Acme’s faulty products, a big case sits before Kevin whether he likes it or not. And he does not!

Condor co-stars as Kevin’s ambitious, fresh-out-of-law-school niece Paige, who sees in this pile of broken gadgets not just a chance to put her skills to the test, but also to make a difference in how Acme treats its cartoon customers. You see, Acme also makes phones and cars for humans, and those all seem to be pretty safe. So, what’s going on that all their cartoon products seem wildly dangerous?

A Brief History of the ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Saga

The story behind Coyote vs. Acme is as compelling as the film itself. When Warner Bros. shelved the completed movie in 2023, it sparked an immediate and passionate backlash from fans, filmmakers, and critics alike. The decision to write off the film for a $30 million tax break seemed like a cynical move that prioritized corporate accounting over artistic expression. However, the public outcry was so intense that it caught the attention of Ketchup Entertainment, an independent distributor that saw the value in what Warner Bros. had discarded.

Ketchup Entertainment’s acquisition of the distribution rights was a turning point, transforming the film’s narrative from one of loss to one of redemption. The release of Coyote vs. Acme is now a landmark moment in the ongoing debate about the preservation of art in an era of corporate consolidation. It serves as a reminder that when the cold corporations favor money over art, community, and joy, we need to be the underdog willing to spit in their eye.

The Verdict: Is ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Worth the Fight?

Yes, unequivocally. The Coyote vs. Acme review can confidently declare this a must-see film that delivers on every level. It’s smart, silly, and ultimately inspiring—the kind of movie that reminds us why we fell in love with cinema in the first place.

What Works: The Heart, Humor, and Performances

Director Dave Green brings a vivid life to Looney Tunes’ signature slapstick, showing Daffy go wild, Porky get pummeled, or Wile E. get blown to smithereens with aplomb. Adding a shadow layer to their coloring strengthens the visual sense that they are in our world, impacted by the same forces we are. And this makes the courtroom scenes all the more fun.

Like Inherit the Wind or My Cousin Vinny, Coyote vs. Acme relishes the stagework of the courtroom scene. Forte fumbles brilliantly, while Foghorn Leghorn strides like the Southern country lawyer who’s become a staple in the legal drama genre. Burch shrewdly creates a spoof without losing the stakes of this case. So, as the squeaking gavel goes down, we might giggle, but our breaths catch as we wait for the verdict.

Like Roger Rabbit and Chip and Dale’s movies, Coyote vs. Acme uses its lovable toons to counter the darkness of their crime plots. But here, rather than a jaded private investigator or a jaded has-been, Burch offers a loser who’s always been too afraid to try. As Acme’s high-priced and bullying lawyers ready for battle, it’s easy to understand Kevin’s fear. But watching him band together with a motley crew of screw-ups and goofballs is heartwarming, a reminder that sometimes that’s all we have.

What Falls Short: Any Acme Malfunctions?

While Coyote vs. Acme is a triumph, it’s not without its minor flaws. The film’s pacing occasionally stumbles, particularly in the second act where the whistleblower subplot threatens to overshadow the comedic elements. Additionally, some of the supporting Looney Tunes characters, while delightful, feel underutilized compared to the central trio of Wile E., Daffy, and Porky. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional film.

The movie likely will be ignored by Oscar, and it won’t make Odyssey money. But it’s not bedraggled by pandering fan service or incoherent between its action sequences. It’s a film that knows exactly what it wants to be and executes its vision with confidence and charm.

Breaking Down the Cast: Who Shines in the Desert?

The cast of Coyote vs. Acme is a perfect blend of comedic talent and heartfelt performances. Will Forte delivers a career-best performance as Kevin Avery, a lovable loser called upon to be a noble hero. His comic sensibilities shift from deadpan to impish in the blink of an eye, making him the ideal scene partner for a literal cartoon character. Forte’s ability to convey vulnerability, determination, and goofiness in equal measure anchors the film and gives it its emotional core.

John Cena brings his signature blend of physical comedy and surprising depth to the role of the buff and arrogant lawyer representing Acme. Cena’s performance is a masterclass in comedic antagonism, balancing menace with a self-awareness that keeps the character from becoming a one-note villain. His courtroom face-offs with Forte are among the film’s most entertaining moments.

Lana Condor shines as Paige, Kevin’s ambitious niece who serves as the moral compass of the film. Condor brings a fresh energy to the proceedings, grounding the more outlandish elements with her earnest determination. Her character’s investigation into Acme’s secret product testing adds a layer of intrigue that elevates the film beyond a simple comedy.

Special mention must also go to the voice cast of the Looney Tunes characters, who bring decades of iconic personalities to life with impeccable timing and humor. From Daffy Duck’s manic energy to Porky Pig’s endearing stutter, the animated characters are the heart and soul of the film.

How ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Compares to Other Looney Tunes Classics

To truly appreciate Coyote vs. Acme, it’s helpful to contextualize it within the broader history of Looney Tunes films. Here’s how it stacks up against other notable entries:

As the table clearly demonstrates, Coyote vs. Acme excels across all categories, setting a new standard for what a Looney Tunes film can achieve.

Where and When to Watch ‘Coyote vs. Acme’

For those eager to experience this cinematic triumph, Coyote vs. Acme opens in theaters on Aug. 28. The film will be available in theaters nationwide, with specific showtimes and locations varying by region. Given the film’s journey from being shelved to its triumphant return, this theatrical release is a victory for film lovers everywhere.

While there is no official word yet on streaming or digital release dates, the theatrical run is expected to be the primary way to experience the film for the foreseeable future. Fans are encouraged to check their local theater listings for showtimes and ticket availability. The film’s release is a celebration of community and the power of collective action, making the theatrical experience all the more meaningful.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of a Movie Worth Fighting For

To see something like this—entertaining, poignant, and daring—be chucked by a major studio for a tax write-off should scare every movie lover. So, in some sense, this movie is the call to action it advocates for in its final act. Its release, coming after much public outcry from fans and filmmakers alike, is evidence that when the cold corporations favor money over art, community, and joy, we need to be the underdog willing to spit in their eye. Because if not us, who?

The Coyote vs. Acme review is ultimately a celebration of cinema’s ability to triumph over corporate cynicism. It’s a film that’s both timely and timeless, bringing classic characters to a modern space where they still make silliness make sense. Whether you’re a lifelong Looney Tunes fan or a newcomer to their world, Coyote vs. Acme is an experience that will leave you laughing, thinking, and cheering for the underdog.