A madcap cartoon mystery for young and old alike

Rating: 8/10 (6 September 2008)

In Robert Zemeckis' "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" the titular rabbit (voiced by Charles Fleischer) goes on the run from the law after being framed for a crime he didn't commit. With the help of private dick Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) he sets out to clear his name and get to the bottom of the murderous plot.
The acting is better than you would normally expect for what is ostensibly a kids' movie. Bob Hoskins, despite his British origins, fits seamlessly into the role of a seedy private eye. Christopher Lloyd deserves special mention as the menacing Judge Doom. The voice talent for the animated characters is top-notch, with Charles Fleischer imbuing Roger with plenty of personality and Kathleen Turner lending her unmistakable voice to the femme fatale Jessica. Of course, there's also the legendary Mel Blanc and others voicing the established characters who appear in cameo roles.
The story is an interesting one though I'm doubtful of how many children will be able to follow a story that has stylistic similarities to "Chinatown". The script also has plenty of double entendres that I'm sure flew well over my head when I saw this as a kid close to twenty years ago. These elements make the story appeal to adults while kids will no doubt enjoy the shenanigans of the animated characters.
Zemeckis' direction is well handled as usual though I can't help but wish that the film had been helmed by executive producer Steven Spielberg instead. Nevertheless, Zemeckis and the Richard Williams-led animators do a fine job of blending the live and animated action, all without the benefit of CGI. The film is still impressive today and deserved all of the accolades that it garnered on the basis of its technical merit.
This is a film that should appeal to both the young and the young at heart, especially those who grew up watching the likes of Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse and others. It is nothing short of a celebration of animation, produced by talented professionals with passion and reverence.