Figuring Out Where ‘Buddy’ Belongs

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The Buddy crew doing their thing (CREDIT: Roadside Attractions and Saban Films)

Starring: Delaney Quinn, Keegan-Michael Key, Cristin Milioti, Tristan Broders, Madison Skyy Polan, Caleb Williams, Luke Speakman, Tory Jacqui Malone, Topher Grace, Clint Howard, Seamus Flynn, Bryson JonSteele, Phuong Kubacki, Bennie Taylor, Conner Stumm, Patton Oswalt, Michael Shannon, Jimmica Collins, Devon Hawkes Ludlow, Eric Bauza, Rachel Appelbaum

Director: Casper Kelly

Running Time: 96 Minutes

Rating: R

Release Date: August 28, 2026 (Theaters)

I generally wouldn’t like to be trapped in a children’s TV show, such as the orange unicorn one in Buddy. Even a less murderous option doesn’t sound all that appealing. The major exception is of course when I’m dreaming. Then it’s the perfect situation. So it makes sense that I tend to love it when a movie’s setting suddenly switches to a different plane of reality, as there is a rather dream-like quality to that transition. I bring this up because an instance of that transition happens in Buddy, as the TV universe lurches to the “real world,” and we’re left to wonder how it’s all connected. Hopefully this means that I’ll start having dreams about Buddy in the not-too-distant future!

Grade: 333 Talking Mailboxes out of 555 Talking Backpacks

Making a Verdict on ‘Coyote vs. Acme’

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Pictured: How It’s Been Going Lately (CREDIT: Ketchup Entertainment)

Starring: Will Forte, Lana Condor, John Cena, Tone Bell, Luis Guzmán, Martha Kelly, P.J. Byrne, Kenneth Choi, John Early, Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, Jim Cummings

Director: Dave Green

Running Time: 103 Minutes

Rating: PG

Release Date: August 28, 2026 (Theaters)

Here’s what I have to say about Coyote vs. Acme: I understand why the Acme Corporation would choose to utilize cartoon characters as test subjects for its dangerous products. They’re quite elastic and resilient, after all. Yes, I suppose they feel pain, but that appears to be temporary, and they also appear to be effectively immortal. Nevertheless, I believe that Mr. Wile E. Coyote has a legitimate complaint, as this testing ought to be carried out with the cartoon subjects’ consent. So there you go. Also, why don’t all major American cities have a carrot festival? (Or do they, and I’ve just not heard about them?)

Grade: 4 Meep Meeps out of Infinity Sisyphuses

Catching Up on Movies I Happened to See in March 2025

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CREDIT: (Clockwise from Top Left): Marvel Entertainment; Ketchup Entertainment; Stan Alley/IFC Films; Cinetic

Oh wow, look at the time! I guess I’ve been pretty busy the last few weeks. (For a variety of reasons!) That means I’ve got more than one movie to catch up with my thoughts about. It’s quite a mix that we’ve got on the agenda: some blockbusters or would-be blockbusters, a heartbreaking award winner, and an indie from the depths of the muck.

First up, we checked back into the MCU, and I found myself in rare agreement with SNL‘s Drunk Uncle, which is to say: “Not my Captain America!” Nah, actually, Sam Wilson, you’re cool, dude. But Brave New World was neither brave, nor new, nor a world. Discuss.

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‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ … But a New Legacy for Whom?

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Cartoon LeBron (CREDIT:
Warner Bros. Pictures/YouTube Screenshot)

Starring: LeBron James, Bugs Bunny, Don Cheadle, Sonequa Martin-Green, Cedric Joe, Khris Davis, Ceyair J. Wright, Harper Leigh Alexander, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Lola Bunny (Zendaya), Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, Elmer Fudd, Marvin the Martian, Tweety Bird, Granny, Speedy Gonzales, Tasmanian Devil, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Jeff Bergman, Eric Bauza, Bob Bergen, Candi Milo, Gabriel Iglesias, Anthony Davis, Diana Taurasi, Klay Thompson, Damian Lillard, Nneka Ogwumike, Ernie Johnson, Lil Rel Howery, Sarah Silverman, Steven Yeun, Harry Potter, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, King Kong, Ilsa Lund, Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, The Iron Giant

Director: Malcolm D. Lee

Running Time: 115 Minutes

Rating: PG

Release Date: July 16, 2021 (Theaters and HBO Max)

The first Space Jam was unhinged; the second Space Jam is also unhinged, but it could be more unique. Or, it could be more committed to its own singular vision. What reality is it tethered to? Are these the same Looney Tunes from 25 years ago? When we get any sense of continuity, I’m intrigued. As for that journey through the Warner Bros “Server-verse”? Why not just fully commit to it and have Tony Soprano play point guard while the Droogs take up the frontcourt? Look, Al-G Rhythm’s plan makes no sense, LeBron’s conflict with his son makes no sense, the scoring system makes no sense, why not take that nonsense to the nth degree? I believe they could’ve flown blind.

Grade: Where’s the Basketball?* (*Said like the “Where’s the Beef?” Lady)