SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 75:00 Min.
Released by Warner Bros. Animation in 2015, this direct-to-DVD film (in fitted widescreen) isn’t a sequel to the 2011-2013 Looney Tunes Show program. Though most of the same voice cast returns, Kristen Wiig is replaced by co-screenwriter/co-voice director Rachel Ramras as ‘Lola Bunny.’ Further, despite utilizing a near-identical animation style, this storyline is a different continuity than what was previously depicted in the Looney Tunes Show. The same applies to rebooted visual looks for some familiar characters (i.e. Elmer Fudd & Daffy Duck).
In New York City, unemployed perfume salesperson Lola Bunny relies upon an exotic plant to concoct what she believes will be the world’s next blockbuster fragrance. Yet, spritzes of this unique perfume reveal its true power: instant invisibility, which can be reversed by water.
Enlisting help from cabbies Bugs Bunny & Daffy Duck, fugitive Lola makes a mad dash for Paris to sell her fragrance. In increasingly hot pursuit of Lola & Bugs are government operatives Elmer Fudd & Cecil Turtle, would-be bounty hunter Yosemite Sam, Lola’s greedy ex-boss: Giovanni Jones, and a mysterious third party. Outlandish twists ultimately set up an out-of-this-world showdown, with its no-holds-barred winner gaining control of Lola’s creation.
REVIEW:
Given the unpredictably wacky plot twists, the good news is that the Looney Tunes creative team is mostly on their game. Despite missing Kristen Wiig’s endearing take on ‘Lola Bunny,’ the film’s likably quirky storytelling equals better episodes of the Looney Tunes Show.
As intended, kids will get the biggest kick out of Rabbits Run. Adults, however, after a welcome first viewing, will likely recall why Looney Tunes humor works best in far smaller doses — as in seven minutes. If anything, though, fans of Bugs & Lola’s ‘romance’ won’t be disappointed.
BONUS FEATURES:
Available languages are English & Spanish, with subtitles presented in either English or French. Why Spanish wouldn’t also be included in the subtitle options doesn’t make sense.
Included are two animation film trailers: the Scooby-Doo/KISS crossover and the first Batman Unlimited. There’s also five animated extras. First up is the Looney Tunes Show pilot episode: “Best Friends,” which includes Elmer Fudd’s somewhat suggestive music video, “Grilled Cheese.” The TV episode is good fun parodying game shows, as well as providing an insightful view of Bugs & Daffy as ‘Odd Couple’ housemates.
The other four cartoons first appeared theatrically in 3D. Three of them are Road Runner/Wile E. Coyote capers: “Coyote Falls,” “Fur of Flying;” and “Rapid Rider.” Essentially a music video for a 1950’s Sylvester & Tweety novelty song recorded by Mel Blanc & June Foray, the last one is “I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat.”
Though the video game-like animation definitely looks expensive in these four shorts, what’s sorely missing is the timeless Looney Tunes charm that actually makes audiences laugh. Suffice to say, Warner Bros. can hire innumerable voice actors to imitate Mel Blanc, but they desperately need better storytellers who grasp how to sell funny-bone gags that directors Friz Freleng, Chuck Jones, etc. made look so easy.
PACKAGING:
The DVD casing is solidly produced. The disc’s contents are also accurately provided.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
