Review of Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) by Phil P — 30 Mar 2013

"Gosh, who do you think he really was?".

Innovation isn't something easily found in films anymore that's not a bad thing as there are still fantastic films some improving upon those that originally started it. But I truly believe that 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' Is the last film to truly innovate. OK it's a good 25 years old now but more importantly it's a shame it didn't create more films in the same vein.

The plot isn't deep or full of loads of layers. But it's surprisingly interesting and intriguing plot. Starting off with a cartoon similar to 'Tom & Jerry' then revealing the cartoons don't have the same personality as who they play and that they live alongside humans. It then proceeds to get some character development before the real story kicks in. And the title says it all it's a murder mystery as the cartoon hating 'Eddie' (Bob Hoskins') reluctantly helps 'Roger Rabbit' ('Charles Fleischer') prove his innocence in the matter. It's a very affective story which is to me the most surprising aspect to the film. It's well written and as a mystery on the first view actually kept me guessing.

The innovative part is obviously the integration of live and animation on screen at the same time. And it's quite frankly perfect. There are some translucency on certain things but that's looking hard. The world is perfectly combined and the little background touches of human and animated really bring the film together. What works well the most is the fact that despite there being Disney and Looney tunes, the latter is most prominent and there wacky nature and superb exaggerated animation. 'Roger' has all the usual reactions alcohol makes him explode, dynamite turns him black and he disintegrates, he and all the tunes act like they should there is no compromise. It's as it should be. Making a funny film its not a case of decent effort here you'd swear 'Chuck Jones' was writing and animating him himself - it's that good.

It's a crying shame they have yet to make a sequel to what is quite frankly perfect for what it is. The animation and live action are melded to perfection and it's the little touches that convince. 'Christopher Lloyd' is great as the villain 'Judge Doom'. 'Roger' is animated expertly and 'Bob Hoskins' is great as the detective. Couple that with a surprisingly well conceived story make it one of my favourite films of all time and a timeless, innovative classic.