neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Looney Tunes: Back In Action
	Joe Dante Brendan Fraser, Jenna Elfman, Steve Martin, Timothy Dalton, Heather Locklear, Joan Cusack 2003		Since trademark and image are Hollywood currency, it would be bizarre if Warner Brothers DIDN'T make use of the studio's stable of classic cartoon characters. In the aftermath of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?," the spectacular, funny feature-film wedding of live action and animation, came the less-than-inspired "Space Jam," teaming WB's Looney Tunes icons Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Sylvester, etc., with basketball superstar Michael Jordan in a colorful but forced marketing ploy. The hit-and-miss "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" is product, as well. But it improves on "Space Jam," thanks to better jokes and effects, and the screen presence of Brendan Fraser, Steve Martin and Jenna Elfman. The story spins from the professional rivalry between Bugs and Daffy on the WB studio lot to a race to find a mystical diamond coveted by the evil head of Acme, Inc. (Martin). Fraser, as a would-be stuntman, is like a human cartoon, so he makes a fine foil for the 2-D troupe; Elfman, as a WB exec, isn't quite so comfy in the milieu. Manic director Joe Dante ("Gremlins") integrates hoary gags and familiar 'toon traits with show-biz in-jokes that will probably go over younger heads. That's all, folks. With Timothy Dalton, Joan Cusack and Heather Locklear.