Review of Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) by Rebecca H — 02 Jul 2011

A film where the pre-feature cartoon actually segues into the live action main film as part of the plot is a level of fun so high, it's genius. In 1940's LA, cartoon characters walk past humans as if this is perfectly normal, instantly setting up the insane world we have been drawn into. Scenes are filled with smart visuals and references, and you'll be glued to the screen in case you miss anything.

The plot focuses on washed up detective Eddie (who hates toons ever since one dropped a piano on his brother, a ludicrous heartbreak masterfully played completely straight) who has to prove that irrepressible cartoon star Roger Rabbit is innocent of murder. The mix of cartoons with a noiry detective story is gleeful brilliance, unlike anything seen before, or unfortunately, since.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit has every ingredient that makes a great film. It's witty and full of clever details. The twisting plot sets everything up so payoff is extremely satisfying. There's a strong emotional anchor in alcoholic Eddie, who hasn't got over his brother's murder. Despite the presence of femme fatale Jessica Rabbit, romance in Who Framed Roger Rabbit is underplayed, but present in the relationship between Eddie and Dolores, which is believable and sweet (a rare treat).

And that brings us to the characters. They're all brilliantly set up and completely rounded, although of course, toons are all slightly insane and mean spirited, and Toontown is just freaky. Roger is incredibly annoying, but that works as he bounces off of straight man Eddie, often literally. Bob Hoskins is fantastic as Eddie, conveying an entire emotional range with a glance, while Christopher Lloyd is perfectly psychotic as Judge Doom, the man who has found a way to kill toons, and does so without a trial. Who doesn't still shudder in terror at the memory of the boot scene? And yes, you do forget that over half the cast aren't really there. Technologically, it's flawless.

It's a masterpiece all round. Who Framed Roger Rabbit can traumatise generations with the destruction of a cartoon boot, leave them in hysterics throughout or chill in a flash, and have Warner's Bugs Bunny and Disney's Mickey Mouse or Daffy and Donald Duck sharing scenes. It remains eminently quotable years after viewing (if you want to go that long without watching it again) and has humans using toon logic to escape situations, while retaining that emotional anchor. This film has everything going for it and I don't want to sound hackneyed, but they just don't make 'em like this any more.