Review: 'Coyote vs. Acme', the movie Warner buried for a tax break, wins its case on charm — but Wile E. ends up a supporting player in his own trial

Few films reach streaming with a backstory as good as their plot. Finished by 2023, 'Coyote vs. Acme' was shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery in November of that year for a tax write-off, was bought by Ketchup Entertainment for about $50 million in 2025 and, released in theaters on Aug. 28, grossed $86.1 million worldwide with a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score. Since Sept. 29 it has been available to buy ($24.99) and rent ($19.99) on Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and YouTube.

The premise, written by Samy Burch from a story that includes James Gunn, is irresistible: Wile E. Coyote sues Acme over decades of faulty rockets, magnets and anvils, represented by a down-on-his-luck lawyer (Will Forte) against a cocky John Cena. Director Dave Green is at his best when the film embraces absurdity — the opening Road Runner chase, with rocket shoes and a missile, is pure Looney Tunes, and the courtroom delivers gags like the sketch artist chasing the judge. Forte nails everyman awkwardness, and Cena turns his alpha-male persona into a joke on himself.

The trouble is that once the corporate conspiracy takes over, the script repeats itself, the satire of corporate greed turns shallow and the Coyote — silent, as tradition demands — loses ground to the humans. It's ironic that a movie about a wronged character sidelines him in his own case. Still, the blend of animation and live action is seamless, and the result shows more love for the classic cartoons than any 'Space Jam'. Score: 7/10