Coyote vs. Acme is a love letter to Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner’s never‑ending chase. The movie may not leave you in stitches like 2024’s The Day the Earth Blew Up, but its story about perseverance is both nostalgic and surprisingly emotional.

In this world, the “loony” toons live alongside humans, yet they aren’t iconic or treated as celebrities. For example, Porky Pig is cartoonishly struck by a wrecking ball while trying to buy flowers from Mrs. Cat. Kevin witnesses the ordeal, offers his legal services, and says he could get Porky a couple hundred dollars for his pain and suffering. Kevin doesn’t recognize Porky as the pig who says “That’s all folks,” but simply as a repeat client of the law office.

Wile E. has spent decades failing to catch the Road Runner and begins to suspect the fault lies not in his planning but in the defective products he relies on. Risk‑averse attorney Kevin Avery (Will Forte) is hired by Wile E., and the case quickly garners national attention as they take on the Acme Corporation.

The plot channels the vibe of ’90s legal thrillers and dramas, with a layer of cartoon humor added in. It surprisingly works, and most adults will find plenty to enjoy. Given the more serious tone, I do wonder whether kids might get bored or restless while waiting for the next cartoonish gag to hit the screen.

Coyote vs. Acme does struggle at times to balance its drama and comedy. There are reflective, contemplative lulls, and I can see why Warner Bros. wanted to shelve the film. At the same time, it feels like they missed the point of what the movie is trying to do. Fortunately for us, Ketchup Entertainment picked it up. I’m also fascinated by the idea that future Looney Tunes films might lean more toward adult audiences, telling more nuanced stories. The Day the Earth Blew Up plays heavily in the horror genre, while Coyote vs. Acme leans into drama and mystery.

The live‑action and cartoon interactions are reminiscent of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and the dynamic between John Cena and Tweety Bird might be my favorite pairing in the film. Similarly, Forte’s rapport with Wile E. works surprisingly well. What doesn’t work as smoothly are the live actors’ interactions with one another. Cena and Forte have the strongest chemistry as rival attorneys, whereas Forte’s scenes with his colleagues – or even with his niece, Paige Avery (Lana Condor) – feel noticeably hollow.

Overall, Coyote vs. Acme is a genuinely good movie that honors the legacy of these characters. We may have even gotten an unexpected origin story for Daffy Duck’s mania. I also appreciate the commitment to keeping Wile E. silent, relying instead on the handful of signs he carries. There is one plot point that bothers me involving Kevin’s informant and how long they may have had evidence in their possession. Nitpicks aside, the film delivers an adorable message about friendship and perseverance, but it’s the reframing of Wile E. and the Road Runner’s relationship that stands as the crowning achievement of Coyote vs. Acme.

Rating: 3.5/5.

Coyote vs. Acme is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 28, 2026.

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The writer of this piece is: Laurence Almalvez
Laurence tweets from @IL1511

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