Apparently, this, the first ever all-animated Looney Tunes Feature, survived by the hair on Porky Pig’s chinny-chin-chin only because it didn’t cost enough to be worth annihilation as a tax write-off. Made to stream on MAX (speaking of tax write-offs), it was picked up for theatrical release by Ketchup Entertainment. So, worth the trouble? Well, no classic, but damned good. Especially with the ‘tamed’ CGI animation that reasonably apes a hand-drawn æsthetic and avoids that rubbery/fondant look. A first feature for director Pete Browngardt, who also co-wrote, the guy certainly knows his animation forebears, sneaking in fun shout-outs to past Merrie Melodies masters (look fast for a nod toward overlooked Bob Clampett*) and is ecumenical in citing non-Warner sources & influences past & present. Plus a story that holds together instead of getting in the way, as Porky and Daffy (nicely looney here, as in his early nut-job days*) work together, along with Porky’s new lady friend, to stop a gooey alien invasion taking over bodies via chewing gum. (Less modern zombie than INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS throwback.) Best in the prologue, a sort of origin story for an orphaned Pig & Duck now being raised by Farmer Jim who’s hilariously drawn in the style American Regionalist Thomas Hart Benton, with landscapes and dramatic skies to match. Quite striking! Looney cartoony style always there to add contrast and comment without having to say a word. Much of this wonderful stuff, even if the busy, busy storyline not quite so wonderful. Too many cooks? Fifteen credited writers on board and it feels like it. No matter. This is about as good as these long-form up-datings get.
DOUBLE-BILL: *Daffy at his daffiest in his early days (late ‘30s/early ‘40s) as Tex Avery & Bob Clampett developed his unconstrained ‘id.’ Check release dates for top results. NOTE: Some of his best in b&w.
LINK: Mel Blanc’s unbeatable vocals for the main Warners’ animated crew are successfully inherited (at last!) by Eric Bauza. Seen here demonstrating. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/12/movies/looney-tunes-voice-actor-eric-bauza.html?searchResultPosition=1
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