It is hard to believe that Looney Tunes has been around for almost a century. It is even harder to believe that in all that time, there has never been a fully animated Looney Tunes feature-length movie created for a cinema audience. However, all of that is about to change as Porky Pig, Daffy Duck (Eric Bauza; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Petunia Pig (Candi Milo; My Life as a Teenage Robot) must come up with a plan to stop The Invader (Peter MacNicol; Ally McBeal) from taking over the Earth. However, not everything is quiet as it seems in the new movie, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie.
For those who haven't heard, here is a brief overview of the movie: That's not all, folks! Porky Pig and Daffy Duck, one of the greatest comedic duos in history, are making their hilarious return to the big screen in the sci-fi comedy adventure, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie. Porky and Daffy are our unlikely heroes and Earth's only hope when facing the threat of alien invasion. In this buddy-comedy of epic proportions, they race to save the world, delivering all the laugh-out-loud gags and vibrant visuals that have made the Looney Tunes so iconic but on a scope and scale yet to be experienced. It's going to be out of this world!
Where do I begin?!? Well, I guess we'll start with the story. Cute is the best way to describe it with Porky and Daffy initially trying to save their home but eventually ending up saving the planet. The plot twist is unexpected, which adds another layer of fun to the film since plot twists always make things more interesting and are not often seen in animated films. The subplot of Porky and Petunia's love story is just as adorable.
Next, let's talk about the vocal talent included. The brilliant Eric Bauza takes on double duty as both the voice of Porky Pig AND Daffy Duck. He had some big shoes to fill, and he beautifully pays homage to Mel Blanc, the original voice of many of the Looney Tunes characters. Milo does a great version of Petunia, and her and Bauza's voices blend nicely. MacNicol is another hidden gem who gives emotion to the Invader, regardless of whether he is trying to be silly or diabolical.
Finally, the animation is a pleasant surprise. The modern techniques used give the scenes sharp details with clean lines and an abundance of varying color hues. They make the characters pop off the screen, and they are sure to catch younger audiences' attention. Director Peter Browngardt also intertwines older types of animation into the film, such as some of the original, static drawings of Farmer Jim, to offer some contrast to the state-of-the-art animation and to celebrate 90 years of Looney Tunes.
Family-friendly movies typically do well at the box office, and since this is the first time a Looney Tunes feature has premiered in theaters, it will surely do well, and it will probably be in the top ten for many weeks to come. Add to that the fact that it is cute, funny, sweet, with excellent voice talent and production values, and Warner Bros. has the makings of a box office hit.
A brief warning: like many animated movies, there are jokes for the little ones, as well as jokes for the adults that will undoubtedly go over the little ones' heads. However, don't be surprised if your child asks you what a "probe" is on the way home.
Grade: B+
