2026 Summer Movie Season - Coyote vs ACME: Review and Analysis

 

Justice For The Plaintiff!!!!! Formerly Shelved Looney Tunes Movie Is One of 2026's Biggest Cinematic Miracles!!!!

Review By BJ Porter

Well, that's the last ding dong straw

The Story

There has always been this thin line between persistence and obsession. While some see your escapades as an exercise of not giving up, others may see it as the full manifestation of the definition of insanity. The poster child for this viewpoint appears to be the ever-determined Wile E. Coyote. For decades, he has dedicated his life to capturing the elusive and lightning-fast Road Runner to be able to score a tasty meal. He attempts these feats by using the products of the manufacturing corporation ACME. The products he orders from ACME would be considered valuable tools in his conquest, if they didn’t constantly malfunction, resulting in him getting blown up, shot into the atmosphere, crushed by a train, pancaked into a wall, smashed by a boulder or thrown down a canyon cliff. The constant failed attempts are starting to weigh on Wile E's self-esteem, as it seems he’s reached his limit and is doubting if he truly is capable of accomplishing his goals. But it seems that the hunter may have found his chance at justice. Frustrated by the constant defective products he’s gotten from ACME that have only caused him pain rather than success, Wile E makes the bold decision to sue the corporation for damages, injuries, and the emotional stress he’s endured over the years. The only issue is that ACME, like all major corporations, has the money and the legal backing to avoid accountability and maintain power over the consumer. The person who has seen this firsthand is low-level attorney Kevin Avery (Will Forte), who has been an underdog in his area of expertise and has his own reasons for wanting justice against ACME’s practices. As fate would have it, Kevin and Wile E’s shared pursuit of justice brings the two of them together as they agree to team up to try and hold ACME responsible for the damage they’ve caused so many people over the years. Facing courtroom pressure, insurmountable odds, and ACME pulling every dirty trick in the book to try and stop a bombshell truth that could destroy the company from being revealed, Kevin and his legal team rise up to help Wile E. Coyote get the justice he deserves in one of the most important legal battles in cartoon history. 

Paige and Kevin's new client is a bit of a handful.

The Review

One of the most talked-about sagas in the history of motion pictures reaches its triumphant conclusion with the long-awaited release of the live action/animated hybrid featuring one of the icons of the Looney Tunes roster. Coyote Vs ACME represents the culmination of a fight for visibility and the importance of showcasing artistry untainted by short-sighted corporate agendas or corner-cutting mandates. Now that I have seen the film that ACME has been trying to bury, Coyote vs ACME is a true triumph that deserves to be seen, and I'm happy that it is now out in the world. The story surrounding this film is documented by those who were gobsmacked by the news of its cancellation in November of 2023. It was an act of supreme disrespect to those who put so much of their heart and soul into this project and a huge disservice to the iconic characters who were at the center of it. Thankfully, fans and those looking to protect the integrity of art made it their mission to ensure that this live action/animated hybrid got the spotlight it deserved. I can now say that the end result is genuinely one of the most enjoyably chaotic and fun-filled movies I've had the pleasure of seeing this year. Director Dave Green leads a film that has a promising premise with tons of potential. Thankfully, the execution of it is top-notch, making this film not just fun but well-paced, well-acted, and just overall well done on all fronts. Of course, Wile E Coyote and the Looney Tunes peppered throughout the film are the big icons on screen. That said, the live-action ensemble is just as fun to watch as they truly buy into the insanity of the world around them in ways that both honor the world and add to it. Will Forte leads the charge as Kevin Avery in a performance that is more than just talking to a cartoon coyote. He is a character who is comfortable staying in his comfort zone and never really taking on a challenge due to the crippling fear of failing. It's not until he meets Wile E that he is taken out of that comfort zone and finds the confidence to overcome his fears, but also showcase his inner strength and skills that were always there. He's an underdog that's easy to root for yet has the tools to put up a good fight even if the odds are stacked against him. His chemistry with Wile E is fun and hilarious but also built on giving Kevin the attitude needed to take the heat that's in the kitchen. Forte fully buys into the world he inhabits, and the film greatly benefits as a result. Lana Candor is also great as Avery's niece Paige. A lot more optimistic than her uncle, Paige aims to motivate Kevin to take the leaps he hesitates to and is more than willing to push him to do so by diving headfirst into the madness herself. Candor's performance adds such warmth to the story, and she and Forte make a great pair on screen. On the opposing side, like our plaintiffs, the defendants are just as fun to watch play in this world. John Cena is lovably despicable as rival lawyer Buddy Cane. Suave, cool-headed, and passive-aggressively condescending and crass, Cane is a villain you love to hate but is so much fun to watch. PJ Byrne, Martha Kelly, and Tone Bell round out the live-action ensemble with all three delivering great comedic moments throughout the film's runtime. I would be gravely remiss if I did not sing the praises of voice actor Eric Bauza, who provided the voices of the majority of the Looney Tunes characters on screen, including Tweety, Foghorn Leghorn, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, the Road Runner, and of course, the icon himself, Bugs Bunny. This film should be a full showcase of his incredible talent, knowing that he brings such life to every single one of these legendary characters that have entertained generations. A masterclass showcase in every sense of the word. 

Well that totally "backfired"

Coyote vs ACME has a ton of strengths when it comes to the animated and human talent. But another big strength is in the execution of the telling of this story. A cartoon taking a major in-universe corporation to trial has so much potential if done right. I'm excited to say that not only does the movie do a great job at taking full advantage of this premise, it does so by truly doing the little things well when it comes to telling its story. The film showcases strong pacing with so many setups and payoffs both in the punchlines and within the narrative. As much as I laughed out loud at the antics on screen, I was still impressed by how effective the writing and story structure was. Green directs Coyote vs ACME with an understanding that while it is important to be authentic to the DNA of the Looney Tunes, you can't lose sight of the fact that the story still has to have a clear purpose and direction. Green and everyone involved know what makes these characters work and how to use them to serve the greater narrative. The results speak for themselves in a multitude of ways. The film is chaotic in terms of the action that happens on screen, even though it is occurring in a live-action setting, but it blends seamlessly and doesn't feel out of place. I also want to mention how heartfelt the movie is. The movie preaches the importance of keeping up the fight despite the hill you have to climb. You root for Avery and Coyote to succeed because you can feel their passion for their craft and what they stand for. There are a number of genuinely touching moments throughout the movie with one being such a near-tear-jerking love letter to the 75-plus-year legacy of Wile E Coyote and Road Runner. I think that is the main thing I truly love about this movie. For anyone who has loved these characters or relates to what the main human ones have gone through, the film is a feel-good underdog story that honors the Looney Tunes but also celebrates the art of never giving up even when hope seems lost. A sentiment that applies to this movie and the battle it took to give it the release it has long deserved. Overall, Coyote vs ACME truly is a miracle of a film. It is one that should exist despite the powers that be doing what they can to deny it its chance to do so. I honestly am over the moon that we have such a wonderful piece of art that is reaping the rewards of simply being seen by those who truly want it shown. This is a trial that had its fair share of twists and turns, but the verdict I can say for certain is one where everyone walks out a winner.  

Final Score Rating

One of the great cinematic triumphs of the year. Coyote vs ACME delivers the fun, the heart, 
the laughs, and the feel-good aura of a film that overcame the odds and won where it mattered. 

To all who helped get it in the hands of those who begged for it, Thank you for not giving up!!!