Traditional 2D animation is an art form many have regarded dead or out-of-style in recent years, with very few feature films being released in that style nowadays. This has largely been the case because it is more expensive and time-consuming to animate compared to its 3D counterpart, making studios hesitant to use it. This shift in attitude from studios is no more evident than it is with Warner Bros., who used to be the kings of 2D animation for the better part of the 20th century, but have now removed several of their classic cartoons from their streaming service, MAX, including their most classic and beloved cartoon: Looney Tunes. However, this anti-2D animation streak contrasts with a film they just released in that very franchise. This begs the question: Will this film save the 2D animation medium or fall flat like a cartoon anvil? Let’s find out!
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie was produced by Warner Bros. Animation, directed by Pete Browngardt, and distributed by Ketchup Entertainment. As the first theatrically-released 2D animated film in several years, the movie pays tribute and largely honors the style and spirit of the classic Looney Tunes shorts created by Chuck Jones in the 1930s and onward. The writing style is said to have been more storyboard-based than script-based, just as old animation used to be. This is evident just by how expressive the characters are and how the gags find the perfect balance of being visual and witty. The animation itself is gorgeous, displaying a wide variety of colors that pop and environments that have depth. It is truly as though someone took a classic cartoon from back in the day and gave it all the bells and whistles that come along with a modern Hollywood production.
The film stars Eric Bauza, who plays both lead roles in Daffy Duck and Porky Pig. Bauza plays both characters to perfection, nailing the ticks and quirks that make both of his performances perfectly distinct from one another. The story depicting the duo teaming up to work against an alien invasion threat is a tale as old as time, but it is given some fun twists and turns along the way that help prevent it from becoming predictable. They can effectively fill the hour-and-a-half runtime in a way that makes the film never drag but also feel free to breathe and let the jokes roll constantly. The dialogue is fun enough to appeal to children while maintaining a wittiness that prevents adults from getting bored, making this a fantastic watch for all ages.
In a time where 2D animation is truly under attack and at risk of going extinct, it is vitally important that anyone who still enjoys this medium should absolutely support this film by going out to see it in theaters. The more films like these succeed, the better it bodes for studios like Warner Bros. to get the message that this isn’t a dead art form. That is why this film should be supported at all costs so that it doesn’t bomb like a stick of Acme dynamite!
