Review of Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003) by Dominique M — 24 Sep 2008

A return to the big screen for the Looney Tunes gang, last seen in 1996's Scream, is very welcome indeed. The fact that it's directed by Joe Dante is another very welcome factor about this film, and he captures the madcap, anarchic spirit of the classic Looney Tunes cartoons expertly (having tackled similar projects like Gremlins in the past).

You can tell he's a real fan too, with the film littered with references and in-jokes to the history of Looney Tunes, which makes this film as much fun for adults as it is for children. All your favourite characters get their chance to shine, Bugs and Daffy are the main characters, but there are fun cameos from Taz, Wile and The Roadrunner, as well as Marvin the Martian.

The animated characters are assisted ably by their 3-dimensional cast mates, like Brendan Fraser, the perfect comedic foil for their antics, and a completely hammy performance from Steve Martin as the villainous Acme chairman.

The jokes come thick and fast (with varying degrees of success, ranging from the sublimely clever to the very silly), and there are several stand-out moments, including a bravura, creative and very funny chase through the Louvre's paintings, and a trip to Area 51 which showcases director Joe Dante complete love of science-fiction, with references to many classic sci-fi's of the past.

A very funny, very creative, very enjoyable return from the Looney Tunes gang, that doesn't lose the spirit of the characters, which is entertaining for viewers both young and old.