Running Time: 91 Minutes
Certification: PG
Starring: Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, Peter MacNicol, Fred Tatasciore, Laraine Newman, Wayne Knight
Ever since their first appearance nearly 100 years ago, Looney Tunes has been full of recognisable animated characters who have delighted generations. Yet, it took almost a century for these icons to appear in a theatrical work that was fully animated, a film which would become Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up.
But the journey was a bumpy one, as the film's original plans for a HBO Max release was impacted by restructuring at Warner Bros. Discovery. The film was then shopped around to other streaming services, before it was picked up two years later. It eventually received its U.S. theatrical release, and its U.K. release arrives almost a year later.
The film opens with an asteroid making its way to Earth, although it is beaten to the planet by a U.F.O. crashing down. While the arrival spells potential danger for Earth, the more pressing matter is how the U.F.O. left a hole in the roof of a house - owned by best-friends Daffy Duck and Porky Pig (both voiced by Eric Bauza). The poor timing results in the pair failing a home inspection, with the threat of their house being condemned if they cannot get the roof fixed. In order to pay for such a repair, the duo take odd-jobs until they settle at the local bubble gum factory. However, their efforts are soon sidelined by the discovery of a secret alien plot involving mind control and a much anticipated new gum flavour.
This feature arrives from first-time director Peter Browngardt, who is also one of the eleven (!) credited screenwriters. If there were any worries about too many cooks spoiling the broth, that is not an issue here as the end result is a solid tale with a playful sense of humour. Take the many failed attempts at Porky and Daffy finding work, or a fun montage involving the pair's upbringing (including a dark origin of Porky's stutter.) A special mention is deserved for any scene where The Invader (an entertaining Peter MacNicol) has to deal with a mind-controlled henchman that has limited vocabulary.
As the film moves along its breezy runtime, it is clear that the many screenwriters have a respect for the classic Looney Tunes style. The mixture of zany antics, clear characterisation, and a terrific use of music works well alongside how it evokes the spirit of '50s science-fiction movies, and even some nods to sci-fi horror like The Thing and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It is a solid package that feels more in the spirit of Looney Tunes than Space Jam ever did.
But, through all of the goofy humour, this is a lovely tale about two best-friends who look out for each other through thick and thin. Daffy wishes to be helpful, but his struggles at disregarding his intrusive thoughts often result in destruction, and end up worsening matters. Meanwhile, Porky wishes to do right by his friend without letting him become his own worst enemy. It is easy to buy into their bond when it is sold so well. A special mention is also deserved for the fun inclusion of Petunia Pig, a scientist that Porky is smitten with, who is driven to create the best flavour imaginable.
There have been many films which perfectly inhabit the spirit of Looney Tunes, peaking with Gremlins 2: The New Batch and 2024's Hundreds of Beavers. Things are less steady regarding theatrically released Looney Tunes films, particularly when half of them are Space Jam films, which easily leaves Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up as the best Looney Tunes film. With the upcoming release of Coyote vs. Acme, hopefully this is not all, folks, for Looney Tunes films.
Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up is available in UK cinemas from 13th February
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