Why You Should Watch: Coyote Vs. Acme

I've been struggling with what to do with this blog for some time now.

As I've dabbled more and more into performing stand-up comedy, that's become a main creative outlet for the time being. I do also enjoy writing and hearing from those who read the posts, though.

At first, I thought I'd use the blog to grapple more deeply with the things I've been consuming. That was my attempt at least with my last post focusing on The Count of Monte Cristo. That didn't feel entirely right.

My most recent idea is to use this blog as a sort of escape from the algorithm. That's something I've been more intrigued by of late. The algorithm seems to influence so much of what we consume nowadays, and it can be hard to determine whether or not we're watching something because we want to or because some company somewhere paid a lot of money for it to be blasted in front of our eyeballs over and over again.

One way I've been trying to escape the algorithm recently is with my music listening. Influencing the charts has been something record labels have done for decades, and the algorithm doesn't really feel random with its suggestions. When I listen to my station, it's often big-name artists first - the same ones backed by the money to have their names touted more often.

Instead, I've subscribed to the New York Times' Amplifier newsletter. Every Tuesday, the writer sends over a curated playlist that is squarely anti-algorithm. This past week, she curated a back-to-school inspired playlist that introduced me to a somewhat-corny-if-not-fun Beyoncé song and reminded me of how great "Teenage Dirtbag" is.

So, maybe one way this blog can be fulfilling is by sharing things I've consumed and actually enjoyed with the hope that maybe you'll like them too!

One thing I really enjoy is talking with people about the stories, albums, movies, books, etc. that we all love and enjoy. Recently, I've talked to a handful of friends about how great the Dungeon Crawler Carl series is (which means it might merit its own post soon).

Connection is great! It's also something that seems to be harder and harder to come by in the age of the "For You" page. Let this new attempt be a pushback against that. My plan is to share things I've enjoyed in the hopes that you will too. If you like what I'm liking or have a recommendation, I'd love to hear more about it whether that be in the comments or over text or something else.

The first recommendation is one I've been wanting to write about for weeks now. Here goes nothing.

Why You Should Watch: Coyote Vs. Acme

A couple of weeks ago, I saw my most anticipated movie of the year. No, I’m not talking about The Odyssey or Project Hail Mary or Spider-Man: Brand New Day or any number of huge blockbusters that we’ve gotten this year.

I’m talking about Coyote Vs. Acme.

I was so excited to see Coyote Vs. Acme because it was a movie that almost didn’t happen. 

Back in November 2023, Warner Bros. announced to us all that the movie would be used as a $30 million tax write-off despite being a completed movie that was scoring very high with test audiences. Funny, my taxes never include anything as fun as the Looney Tunes, but maybe that's because I don't itemize.

The internet (in what seems like one of the rare moments of good in an increasingly AI-filled doomscape) came to the movie’s aid, essentially bullying Warner Bros. into reconsidering their decision with hashtags like #SaveCoyoteVsAcme trending for months and months.

Flash forward a few years later, and the film finally saw the light of day, releasing in theaters on August 28, 2026.

It is no surprise Warner Bros. wanted to keep this movie a secret. The film’s whole premise is about an evil mega-corporation with a tag line of “our company has family values, and we value our family…of companies.” The bad guy might as well have been Warner Bros. itself. 

Despite these seemingly overwhelming odds, Coyote Vs. Acme arrived all the same. And I’m glad it did because it was a great movie.

Here's why I think you should see Coyote Vs. Acme.

A Cartoon-Live Action Hybrid

Do you like Space Jam? You should. That movie is a gem.

Maybe Lebron's attempt at a sequel doesn't quite capture the magic of the original, but Space Jam is one of those moments that'll stick with me. There's something so culturally pervasive about this movie. I await the day where a college campus doesn't have any number of frat guys walking around in Tune Squad jerseys with Bugs Bunny's number on the back.

Space Jam is a magical movie, partially because it blends the real-world GOAT with the antics of the animated Looney Tunes.

Coyote Vs. Acme does the same thing, instead replacing Michael Jordan with lawyers - ok, that might sound like a reason not to like it, but the juxtaposition of a serious courtroom overrun by toons is worth the price of admission alone.

Put simply, the movie is fun!

Ancient Ideas in a Modern Package

I wouldn't blame you if you dismissed anything involving the Looney Tunes as childish, but this movie is anything but.

The myth of Sisyphus is a recurring theme in the movie. For starters, the Acme-led initiative to take advantage of the cartoons is literally called project Sisyphus.

The inclusion of this Greek myth is smart and obvious. Look at Coyote's pursuit of Road Runner all these years: what is his existence if not Sisyphean?

The connection to mythology isn't exclusive to the cartoons. Will Forte's live-action lead, lawyer Kevin Avery, faces the same uphill battles (pun-intended). Avery can continue to lead a life picking up little cases here and there, or he can face down a corporate giant to help out the greater good, potentially failing along the way.

The movie asks the question, "would you rather try and fail or never have tried at all?" How's that for childish?

Power to the People

The movie also reminds us of the power of collective action.

In the film's reality, Acme has been taking advantage of the Tunes for decades, using them as a way to improve their human-focused line of products.

Coyote is the first Tune to speak up (metaphorically of course, Coyote never actually utters a word, instead opting to use signs to convey his meaning). Coyote seeks out Avery and wants to take on the megacorp.

I won't tell you whether they win or lose, but the catalyst of Coyote standing up for himself encourages other Tunes to do the same thing, which is a nice reminder for the real world too.

There's a Swedish proverb that reads, “Shared joy is double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow." Coyote Vs. Acme certainly understands this. Like the Tunes, we're more powerful together. Watch this film if you need that reminder.

What Next?

I'm thoroughly happy that Coyote Vs. Acme got released. It's an enjoyable movie with funny punchlines that also reminds us about some important lessons.

If I've convinced you to check out Coyote Vs. Acme, you can still catch it in theaters at least for a couple more days (go to the movies, it's a great way to avoid the algorithm!) After that, I'm certain it will be on streaming as well.

Have you seen Coyote Vs. Acme? If so, what did you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts below.

Until next time...