After a rollercoaster journey that saw it nearly buried forever, Coyote vs. Acme is finally getting its moment in the sun. The live-action/animation hybrid, which pits Wile E. Coyote against the infamous Acme Corporation, has been rescued from the brink and is set to hit theaters in just two weeks. And now, with critics weighing in, it's clear that this was a movie worth fighting for.
The film's path to the big screen has been anything but smooth. Warner Bros. originally shelved the project for a tax write-down, sparking outrage from fans and industry insiders alike. But thanks to relentless campaigning, pressure from Hollywood heavyweights, and the intervention of distributor Ketchup Entertainment, the movie was saved. Now, with a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score based on 31 reviews, it's clear that the gamble paid off.
Directed by Dave Green and written by Samy Burch, Coyote vs. Acme stars Will Forte as Kevin Avery, a down-on-his-luck lawyer who takes on the case of a lifetime. After decades of being foiled by Acme's faulty products in his pursuit of the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote decides to sue the company. Avery, who once worked for the firm now representing Acme, finds himself battling his old boss, Buddy Crane, played by John Cena. What follows is a hilarious and heartfelt legal comedy that celebrates the enduring appeal of these classic characters.
Critics have been nearly unanimous in their praise. Collider's Taylor Gates gave the film an 8/10, noting, "From classic slapstick antics to clever dialogue, the comedy fires on all cylinders, but the timely message and genuinely compelling relationships bring it to the next level and make for a memorable watch." Polygon's Brian VanHooker echoed that sentiment, highlighting the "big physical gags, background jokes, sharply written one-liners, and Easter eggs for Looney Tunes fans."
Not every review is a rave, but even the more measured ones acknowledge the film's strengths. Screen Rant's Alex Harrison, who gave it a 6/10, admitted it was "an entertaining, often funny movie, powered by a clear-eyed understanding of what makes Wile E. Coyote's endless pursuit of the Road Runner so compelling."
The film's success is a testament to the power of fan advocacy and the importance of preserving artistic work. It also adds to the growing list of underdog stories in Hollywood, much like the canceled Apple TV+ series Shantaram or the shelved HBO gem The Nevers, both of which found new life after being dropped by their original networks.
For fans of Looney Tunes, this is a must-see. The film is packed with nods to the classic cartoons, from the iconic gadgets to the timeless rivalry between Wile E. and the Road Runner. But it also offers something fresh: a story about perseverance, friendship, and standing up for what's right. It's a rare blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.
If you're looking for more underrated gems to add to your watchlist, check out our list of top series under 8 episodes or explore some forgotten sci-fi masterpieces. And if you're a fan of John Cena's comedic chops, you might also enjoy his work in other projects that have flown under the radar.
Coyote vs. Acme is a triumph, not just as a movie, but as a symbol of what can happen when audiences and creators refuse to let good art disappear. It's a reminder that sometimes, the underdog—or in this case, the under-coyote—wins in the end.
