This week, we feature new live action-animation hybrid with a motley crew of “looney” characters and a unique dramedy where two memorable characters engage in a fascinating conversation.
New Release
‘Coyote Vs. Acme’
Lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte) takes on the wildest personal injury case imaginable when Wile E. Coyote (Eric Bauza) sues ACME for faulty merchandise. His ambitious niece, Paige Avery (Lana Condor), joins the case while corporate attorney Buddy Crane (John Cena) fights dirty to protect the company.
The courtroom mystery works surprisingly well with the Looney Tunes madness, helped by Forte’s rapport with Wile E. Coyote. Fortunately, beneath the cameos and cartoon hijinks, there’s also a message about persistence and second chances.
Adventure | Comedy | Family
Release Date: Aug. 28, 2026
Director: Dave Green
Starring: Will Forte, Lana Condor, John Cena
Running Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘Back to the Outback’
Maddie (Isla Fisher), a snake tired of being feared at a zoo, escapes toward Australia’s Outback with three fellow creatures. Their trip gets messy when pampered koala Pretty Boy (Tim Minchin) tags along, and zookeeper Chaz (Eric Bana) comes after them.
The animation is bright and expressive, with lively music and enough goofy situations to keep things moving. Its messages about friendship, family, and looking past appearances are worthwhile, although the occasional crude humor and intense action make it better suited to older kids.
Action | Comedy | Family
Release Date: Dec. 10, 2021
Directors: Harry Cripps, Clare Knight
Starring: Eric Bana, Tim Minchin, Miranda Tapsell
Running time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Netflix
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Dinner, Debate and Far-Out Ideas
‘My Dinner With Andre’
Wally (Wallace Shawn), a struggling playwright, meets his old friend Andre (Andre Gregory) for dinner after years apart. Their meetup develops into a long, increasingly unusual conversation, as Andre’s bizarre experiences abroad give them plenty to discuss.
Yes, the setup sounds a bit boring: Two men eat dinner and talk for nearly two hours, yet the conversation is far more involving than that description suggests. Andre’s far-out experiences and Wally’s skeptical responses produce plenty to meditate on.
Comedy | Drama
Release Date: Oct. 11, 1981
Director: Louis Malle
Starring: Andre Gregory, Wallace Shawn, Jean Lenauer
Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Tubi TV, Plex, Amazon
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
A Gunman With a Checkered Past Seeks Redemption
‘The Stranger Wore a Gun’
Ex-rebel Jeff Travis (Randolph Scott) reluctantly helps syndicate boss Jules Mourret (George Macready) plot a lucrative stagecoach raid in Prescott, Arizona, but won’t stand by when Mourret’s thugs murder an innocent pal.
Originally shot in 3-D, the movie throws plenty of guns, fists, and debris at viewers. Scott remains appealing throughout, and the fiery finale is a blast.
Western
Release Date: July 30, 1953
Director: Andre De Toth
Starring: Randolph Scott, Claire Trevor, Joan Weldon
Running Time: 1 hour, 23 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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