We all know the Looney Tunes, right? Even if your knowledge of them is based on internet osmosis, you’d still understand how and why this franchise became the classic it is known as today. However, over time, they have lost the spark that made them so legendary. Many modern adaptations have failed to capture the essence of the original shorts, and projects like Space Jam: A New Legacy only reinforced that perception. The situation worsened when Warner Bros. abruptly shelved Coyote vs. Acme, a move that left many fans disheartened, and very angry, which Warner Bros. seems to be good at these days. Yet, despite all of this, a new Looney Tunes movie, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, has managed to reach theaters against the odds. Centered on Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, both voiced by Eric Bauza, this film arrives as a much-needed breath of fresh air in today’s animation landscape. 

Getting this movie into theaters was no small feat. With Warner Bros. Discovery’s recent history of shelving animated projects for tax write-offs, the fact that The Day the Earth Blew Up survived is a triumph. Fans and industry professionals have been vocal about their frustrations with the studio’s handling of animation, and the semi-recent push for 2D animated films in an era where live-action remakes and CG-heavy re-imaginings dominate makes this film’s release even more significant. It is a rare treat to see a hand-drawn animated film grace the big screen, and it proves that the medium still has an audience yearning for its return. 

Now, I am not saying this for the mere sake of hoping it does well so that Warner Bros. will realize its mistake and release Coyote vs. Acme. If this movie were bad, I would say so. But thankfully, that is not the case. The Day the Earth Blew Up is fantastic. From the very first frame, it is clear that the team behind it understands who the Looney Tunes are and what makes each character special. They brought back the missing spark, at least for Porky and Daffy, the film’s main duo. 

The comedy in this film is top-notch. Even I found myself laughing aloud throughout, with some moments making me chuckle awkwardly due to certain imagery. It was refreshing to see a Looney Tunes movie deliver humor reminiscent of the original series while also appealing to modern audiences without compromising its identity. Daffy Duck is as delightfully self-absorbed as ever, and Porky Pig retains his classic, endearing nervousness. The character dynamics feel authentic, making it feel like a true Looney Tunes experience. 

One of the surprises in this movie was the inclusion of Petunia Pig, voiced by Candi Milo. Petunia has not had much presence in past Looney Tunes media, but this film gives her a chance to shine. As Porky’s love interest, she brings a dynamic that is both sweet and comedically awkward. Their chemistry can best be described as “adorkable,” and it is a delight to see them interact. At the same time, the film ensures that Petunia is more than just a side character, she gets her own moments to stand out. 

I do not want to delve too deeply into the plot because part of the fun comes from the surprises along the way. All you need to know is that this is classic Looney Tunes through and through. The title itself, The Day the Earth Blew Up, really tells you everything you need to know. Much like how a movie titled Deadpool & Wolverine sells itself, the name alone assures you of what you are in for: pure, unfiltered Looney Tunes fun. 

Overall, I had an absolute blast with this film, it captures everything that made the Looney Tunes special, filling every frame with vibrant color, personality, and humor. The filmmakers clearly understood the assignment, and they passed with flying colors. In a time when Hollywood is more focused on live-action remakes and CG-animated blockbusters, this movie proves that traditional animation still has a place. I am thrilled that it is getting a theatrical release, and I hope it receives the attention it deserves. With enough support—just maybe—we can see more hand-drawn animated films return to the big screen. Here is hoping that The Day the Earth Blew Up blows up in the best way possible.