Coyote vs. Acme is a Minor Miracle
That's all folks!
The fact that we are able to see the new animation/live-action mashup Coyote vs. Acme in theaters at all is a minor miracle. Despite being completed and receiving enthusiastic support at test screenings, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav originally planned to shelve the film as a tax write-off. A three-year long grassroots campaign eventually convinced the company to reverse that decision and that is cause for celebration. It is also cause for celebration because the film is extremely funny and entertaining, with smart dialogue, likable characters, and a surprisingly engaging story, the film is a joy from beginning to end. It might not be on the level of a masterpiece like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, but it's sure to delight kids and adults in equal measure.
After years of using faulty Acme products to catch a supersonic roadrunner, Wile E. Coyote has had enough. He travels to the big city and hires jaded small-time lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte) to sue the Acme Corporation for damages. Initially reluctant, Avery soon discovers a sinister conspiracy within Acme and as he delves deeper, the secrets he uncovers could put his and the Coyote's lives in jeopardy.
Like the aforementioned Roger Rabbit, the film takes a classic film genre (the legal thriller instead of film noir) and "toonifies" it. While silly and ridiculous things happen within the story, the story itself is treated completely seriously making it effectively engaging. It has a timeless sense of humor that can appeal to all ages, making this the perfect kind of family entertainment.
See it because it's a good movie, or see it just to spite David Zaslav!
Directed by Dave Green // Written by Samy Burch // Based on the New Yorker article by Ian Frazier // Starring Will Forte, Lana Condor, Tone Bell, Eric Bauza, P.J. Byrne, Martha Kelly, Luis Guzman, Kenneth Choi, John Early, Jeff Bergman, Candi Milo, Nancy Linehan Charles, Ernie Vigil, Jim Cummings, and John Cena // Warner Animation Group // 103 minutes // Rated PG
