Fairy Tale Spotlight: The Day the Earth Blew Up [Movie Review]

"The Day the Earth Blew Up" is an animated movie from 2024. Yeah, this is a relatively new film that just exited theaters. It is also an official Looney Tunes film by Warner Bros. Don't get me wrong. I think WB is doing some horrible things to Looney Tunes lately. They are deleting or censoring a lot of their old films and completely removing the existence of Pepe le Pew. But this new movie came as a really pleasant surprise, despite the fact that a lot of people did not even know it came out. Yeah, this one slipped under the radar a little bit.

When I heard this movie existed, I immediately asked the question, "Did Sam Register produce it?" and the answer quickly came back that he did. Sam Register is a man who understands the reasons why Looney Tunes was so good to begin with, and he always tries to make sure that the formula of Loony Tunes stays true to that standard. It is the case with this movie as well.

"The Day the Earth Blew Up" stars exactly three Looney Tunes characters: Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Petunia Pig. No cameoes. The plot is that an alien is trying to take over the Earth through chewing gum that turns the people who eat it into zombies that he can control. And before you ask, it isn't Marvin the Martian. There is a really good reason why it isn't, but that would be spoiling a vital point of the movie.

Daffy and Porky grew up with a farmer, who is always drawn in a really weird way that's hilariously inconsistent. The farmer leaves them his home and trusts that they will take good care of it after he is gone. Porky is the responsible one and Daffy is the extremely irresponsible and wacky one. It is important to note that this version of Daffy is based on the early model. He is not really a narcissist in this movie. He is just very looney and unhinged. This is the one who goes "Hoo hoo!" a lot. Yes, that Daffy!

Petunia comes in part of the way in. She is very lovable. She does taste test research for chewing gum flavoring. Porky's infatuation with her is very endearing and fun. I really like how they played off each other.

The movie is sort of a comedy horror film that takes inspirations from "The Thing" and "They Live." Daffy, Porky, and Petunia have to try and stop the invasion of these chewing gum creatures that are taking over the bodies of everyone and stop the invasion of Planet Earth. Some of the gum monsters are actually really creepy, and I believe they were intended to be. Don't get me wrong. It's still goofy as heck, but there are many moments in this movie where I was like, "Oh my god!" There is some disturbing imagery that you may find shocking, but it never goes too far.

I think the thing I like the most about this movie is just how deliberate it was in capturing the humor or the original Looney Tunes cartoons. It's so nice to see something like this in the modern day. Not to mention that this entire movie is traditionally animated. I could not really find any blatant CGI in the film. This movie took me back to the 90's where animation was still true-blue hand drawn. I loved it, and the cartoony sight gags were great as well.

If you can find a way to watch this movie, I do recommend it. It brings a classic Looney Tunes experience to the modern day without making any sacrifices. It's was brilliant, fun, and witty throughout. Any chance for a sequel, Sam?

This blog was written on March 31, 2025.

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