Watch Soup or Sonic

Soup or Sonic is an animated short film that serves as a continuation of the beloved series of Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner cartoons. It was released in 1980 and is notable for being one of the latter entries in the original body of work that chronicles the endless chase between the two iconic characters. Voiced by the incomparable Mel Blanc, with Paul Julian providing the memorable "meep meep" of the Road Runner, Soup or Sonic continues the legacy that was established in the 1940s by animator Chuck Jones and writer Michael Maltese.

In typical fashion, Soup or Sonic finds the persistent but perpetually unlucky Wile E. Coyote in the vast stretches of the American Southwest, continuing his relentless pursuit of the swift and seemingly carefree Road Runner. The cartoon opens with the familiar setting where the laws of physics are bent to the whims of comedy, and viewers are immediately thrown into the action that defined the classic chase sequences of the originals.

The plot, as simple and direct as ever, is centered around Wile E. Coyote’s increasingly elaborate and outlandish attempts to catch the nimble Road Runner. Each scheme is carefully designed but is met with consistent failure, leading to slapstick mishaps, explosive consequences, and the Coyote's indomitable spirit of hopefulness in the face of certain defeat. The cartoon showcases a variety of gags, involving classic tropes such as ACME products, which invariably backfire against the Coyote, further emphasizing the comedic elements of trial and error that have long been associated with the series.

Without divulging specific jokes and punchlines, viewers can expect to witness a series of comedic set pieces, each more inventive and whimsical than the last. The cartoon plays out as a visual symphony of humor, with gags built upon the age-old conflict between predator and prey. The animation in Soup or Sonic is executed with a level of craftsmanship that pays homage to the era of hand-drawn animation, with smooth, vibrant sequences that bring the characters to life.

The sound design is yet another highlight. The iconic voice acting talent of Mel Blanc gives Wile E. Coyote his characteristic expressive grunts, groans, and exclamations as he endures the consequences of his misfired plans. Meanwhile, Paul Julian’s minimalistic but highly effective portrayal of the Road Runner's signature sound creates a counterpoint to the Coyote’s verbose pantomime. This dynamic creates a sense of rhythm and timing that complements the visual humor.

The pacing of Soup or Sonic is brisk and unrelenting. There's rarely a moment of downtime, as each failed attempt by Wile E. Coyote to capture the Road Runner seamlessly flows into the next hair-brained scheme. This structure keeps audiences engaged, always anticipating what outlandish contraption or tactic the Coyote will employ next and how it will inevitably spiral out of his control.

Thematically, the cartoon dives into the absurd and underlines the perseverance of the Coyote, whose quest to snag the elusive Road Runner verges on the Sisyphean. Each failure and subsequent recovery serve as a comedic metaphor for the tenacity of the human spirit, albeit with a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of the Coyote’s ineptitude.

Throughout Soup or Sonic, there is an absence of dialogue—a storytelling decision that has always been part of the Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner formula. This leaves the narrative to be carried almost entirely by visual gags and the characters' physical comedy, appealing to audiences both young and old. The humor derives from the timelessness of the chase and the universality of its appeal—after all, the pursuit is something that transcends culture and language barriers.

As an addition to the Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner library, Soup or Sonic carries the baton with reverence for the past and a zest for the comedic possibilities of the present. It adds new layers to the chase while ensuring that the ever-important core elements remain intact. Fans of the original series of cartoons will revel in the familiarity, and new viewers will be charmed by the non-stop antics and the characters' enduring charm.

In summary, Soup or Sonic is an animation feast that offers a slice of nostalgia infused with fresh energy. It is a reminder of the golden age of animation and the timeless appeal of two of the most enduring characters in pop culture. With unsurpassed voice talent behind the characters and a creative team dedicated to the craft of animated comedy, Soup or Sonic is a short film that both honors its legacy and delivers untarnished excitement and laughter to new generations.