Looney Tunes: Rabbit's Run (2015)

 

Looney Tunes: Rabbit's Run is a bit of an oddity in the Looney Tunes franchise. This direct to video movie is in some ways a feature length version of the TV series, The Looney Tunes Show (one of the best TV versions of the Looney Tunes characters). It uses the same characterizations and designs for these characters, as well as the same style of humor. However, while that was one of the few Looney Tunes series with a strong sense of continuity, this film does not take place within the same continuity with the characters meeting for the first time. Also, while The Looney Tunes Show put the characters in more grounded sitcom-esque enjoinments and stories, this movie has a very large-scale story with major stakes. 

In this movie, Speedy Gonzales finds a flower and gives it to his friend Lola Bunny, a perfume sales lady who has long been dreaming of creating the world's greatest perfume. She uses this flower to create a new perfume. However unbeknownst to her, this flower has the ability to turn anyone invisible. A secret government agency (run by Foghorn Leghorn) is also after this flower and Lola is soon on the lam. Cab drivers Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck soon find themselves roped into the same danger as Lola. 

There is a lot to enjoy about this movie. At only 74 minutes this whole film flies by very quickly, never once becoming dull. The storyline is over the top and silly in the best way possible. It also avoids feeling like a TV episode expanded to feature length. The characters here are just as likable and delightful as they were in The Looney Tunes Show. While the characters are likable and fun on their own, they are even better together. The way Bugs, Lola and Daffy play off each other is delightful with all three bringing out the best in each other. The romance between Bugs and Lola is also surprisingly charming and sweet. There may be times when the humor falls flat but when it hits, it is very funny. There are quite a few moments here that made me laugh out loud. Every scene involving Daffy is especially laugh out loud hilarious (it is a shame he gets such little screen time). The moments that made me laugh easily made up for the weaker comedic moments (for instance the big chase in outer space fails to capture the same charm as the classic Looney Tunes chases). The movie is also full of tons of fun Easter Eggs that pay tribute to the classic Looney Tunes shorts. 

What really doesn't work in this movie is the song numbers. These songs are not only unnecessary, but they are also completely bland and forgettable. 

This film was directed by Jeff Siergey, who not surprisingly directed multiple episodes of The Looney Tunes Show. His other directing credits include the direct to video movie, Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes (2010) and multiple episodes of Mike Tyson Mysteries. As storyboard artist he worked on such films as Osmosis Jones (2001), Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001), Looney Tunes Back in Action (2003), Horton Hears a Who (2008), Minions  (2015) and Tom and Jerry (2021). The writers of this movie are Hugh Davidson, Larry Dorf and Rachel Ramras, all of whom worked on The Looney Tunes Show as well as the TV series Mike Tyson Mysteries. The trio of writers also were the creators of the live action TV series, Nobodies. Rachel Ramras also takes over voicing Lola Bunny here, who was voiced by Kristen Wig in The Looney Tunes Show. 

All in all, this may be far from a perfect film, but it is a lot of fun.