Review of Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) by Alvin Y — 18 Jan 2013

Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Great Movies.

You could sit throughout this film and marvel at the breathtaking special effects, and be fooled into thinking that they are the only reason that it is any good. But even though the special effects are stunning, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a film experience like no other. Mesmerising is not a word worthy enough to describe how excellent this is. At the risk of sounding like I'm fawning, it's simply a brilliant piece of work, utilising numerous elements to make it unforgettable. It blends comedy, film noir, romance, drama, horror, and any other style you can think of into one, leaving you gripped. This was one of those films where, once it had finished, I realised I hadn't become restless, or even moved from where I was sitting. That alone proved to me that this was something special.

The film takes us back to 1947, into the hectic life of Hollywood. The only difference here is that Toons are living, breathing creations, that interact with humans. Toons live in Toon Town (obviously) but also come out to play in our world, and also to make a living in the glitzy world of showbiz. Roger Rabbit is a big star with Maroon Cartoons, but life isn't being very good to him lately. He can't seem to get a scene right, and no matter how many times he bangs his head, he just won't see stars. Studio owner R.K. Maroon is suspicious that Roger's wife, the seriously smouldering Jessica Rabbit, is being adulterous, so he enlists the help of private detective Eddie Valiant to catch her out. Eddie is a bitter, sullen man, and has a deep hatred for Toons ever since his brother and partner Teddy was killed by one (via a piano being dropped on his head). Still, Eddie takes the case, and catches Jessica playing "patty cake" with Marvin Acme, the head of the Acme Corporation, responsible for such things as hand buzzers and singing swords. When Roger finds out, he becomes hysterical, and vanishes into the night. The next morning, Acme is found dead, and Roger becomes the prime suspect in the case.

On the run, Roger hooks up with Valiant, and swears that he was set up. He also tells him of Acme's will, which promised that, upon his demise, Toon Town would be left to the Toons. But since the will is nowhere to be found, Toon Town will go to the highest bidder by midnight. Reluctantly, Valiant agrees to help, and stashes Roger at the cafe where girlfriend Dolores works. But problems arise when Judge Doom, the head of the Cloverleaf Corporation, comes onto the scene. Doom has created a new substance that can kill Toons (turpentine, acetone and benzene), which he calls Dip. His company has also just put up the highest bid for Toon Town. As Valiant and Roger try to unravel the case, they realise that Jessica was set up, and Judge Doom has some diabolical plans up his sleeve. Valiant and Roger work quickly together (when Roger isn't getting himself into trouble, that is) to try and save Toon Town before Judge Doom's shocking plans become reality.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit never slips up in the quality department on any level. The performances are strong, the script switches from comedy to drama with ease, the direction is potent, and the special effects are amazing. Even after over a decade, they still look as fresh and real as ever. Bob Hoskins does a great job as Valiant; completely believable as a sour man out of his depth on a job he could do without. Christopher Lloyd is suitably terrifying as Judge Doom. His climactic scenes are ones that will stay with you long after the film has ended. Joanna Cassidy is under-used but effective as Dolores, giving a sexy and snappy performance. The vocal performances are also first rate; Charles Fleischer is perfect as maniacal Roger, and Kathleen Turner makes Jessica into one of the most sensual animated characters ever created. Robert Zemeckis does a great job directing the piece, and you can't review the film without mentioning the many cameos from popular cartoon stars. Highlights include Donald Duck and Daffy Duck in a war of piano skills, and Tweety Bird's rather callous treatment of Eddie as he clings to his life off the side of a skyscraper. Who Framed Roger Rabbit is an essential film that everyone simply needs to see. Once seen, it will stay with you forever. A film deserving of the term "classic".