Movie Review by Neils Hesse
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Jenna Elfman, Timothy Dalton, Heather Locklear, Steve Martin
Director: Joe Dante
Daffy Duck is sick and tired of playing second fiddle to Bugs Bunny so he tries to get himself a bigger role in the next Bugs Bunny movie but instead gets himself fired by the new head of comedy Kate (Jenna Elfman). DJ (Brendan Fraser) is instructed by Kate to escort Daffy off the premises but also ends up getting fired. DJ goes home to discover that his father Damian Drake (Timothy Dalton), a famous actor, has been kidnapped and the only clue he leaves is the name of a diamond.
As Daffy has smuggled himself into DJ’s things he also hears about the diamond and this prompts him to actively join DJ on his quest for his father. After all Daffy Duck was never known for his love for fellow man, no Daffy is driven by greed and the thought of a big diamond is too much to ignore. Meanwhile Bugs Bunny and the Warner Twins want Daffy back so Bugs and Kate set off in search of Daffy and DJ. When DJ discovers that his father is being held by Mr Chairman of the Acme Corp. (Steve Martin) he enlists the help of Daffy, Bugs and Kate in an attempt to save the world from an evil plan devised by the diabolical Mr Chairman.
Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck are brilliant and the combination of the comic timing and chemistry in their priceless squabbles is divine as always. Brendan Fraser stands out for truly appreciating the essence of the picture with his on-screen chemistry with Daffy, by downplaying his character and allowing Bugs and Daffy to do their thing. While the rest of the ‘human’ cast are fine unfortunately Steve Martin is a bit too over the top and comes across as trying too hard.
There are several appearances by other members of the LOONEY TUNES family that add a nice flavour to the film. The direction from Joe Dante is good but perhaps the screenplay should have allowed for the real two stars Daffy and Bugs to have more screen time together, too much time was taken up by the human characters, after all it is called LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION. Still this is great family entertainment and look out for Scooby Doo and Shaggy’s cameo and also a brilliant masterpiece inspired scene in Paris.
Just remember that this is a family movie with some very wacky characters and you will have great fun. Yes, LOONEY TUNES are back and please welcome them with open arms you will not be disappointed. Of course if you don’t, you must realise that that would mean war!
