Amazing animation and superb special effects

Rating: 10/10 (16 October 2002)

In what may be defined as one of the most innovative and creative approaches to film, Robert Zemeckis holds no boundaries and brings us an amazing tale that holds a place in Hollywood's Finest. The story itself shows us a life in that we all dreamed about as children: a place where cartoons and humans live side by side. That's when the dream world becomes a nightmare and the cartoons find themselves on thin ice. One of the most respectable cartoon characters from ToonTown, Roger Rabbit (voiced by Charles Fleischer) is wanted for the murder of Marvin Acme (played in a short but comical role by Stubby Kaye), the very owner of ToonTown and Acme cartoon products; yes, you can now own dynamite, portable holes, and super Toon glue in your very own home. Without justice for toons, Roger finds himself at the end of the drawing table and only one step away from the wrath of Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd), who's only dream is to destroy ToonTown and everything in it. Out of desperation, Roger seeks help from human detective Eddie Valiant (played by Bob Hoskins in a landmark role). There's just two small problems: Valiant was hired only a few days ago to spy on Roger's wife Jessica, and things didn't look very good once it was discovered that she was playing 'pattycake' with Marvin Acme himself; also, Valliant refuses to work for toons, as his brother/partner was killed by a toon not too long ago (dropped a piano on his head). However, Valiant cannot turn Roger away (especially because now Roger's handcuffed himself to Valiant's arm), and agrees to take the case. Along the way, both Roger and Valiant discover a web of conspiracy linking Acme, Jessica, R.K. Maroon (head of Roger's cartoon studio), and the missing will of Marvin Acme that will ultimately decide who gets to run ToonTown. and whether or not it will end up just like its former owner.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit brings to life the essence of murder mystery that became so popular in the 1940s, bringing out conspiracy, sex, lies, and murder in a dark tale that we watch with open eyes and find ourselves laughing the next minute. Unlike many other dark comedies, Zemeckis brings out the humor in decent proportion and reminding us that laughter can still be appreciated, even in a serious mystery. The movie also brings out a bright list of cartoon characters recognized by audiences of young and old, ranging from Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, Woody Woodpecker, and introducing hilarious new characters such as Baby Herman, Roger's cigar-smoking partner in the cartoon business; Benny the Cab, a tough-talking taxi; Jessica Rabbit, showing us once and for all that just because you're a cartoon doesn't mean that you can't have serious sex appeal; and the Weasels, Judge Doom's gang of cartoon gangsters who do all of their boss's dirty work.
Even with the superb list of characters, Who Framed Roger Rabbit showcases amazing special effects never before witnessed in film. While watching scenes where Roger and Valiant are side by side in the human world, the average viewer can almost believe that there really is a talking rabbit standing next to Hoskins (in the imagination, anyway). The interaction between the real actors and the cartoons is simply eye-popping and leads the way for an entire new branch of filming and animation. All in all, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a legend of its own time and a simple reminder that children are not the only ones who can appreciate good animation.