Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis. Starring Bob Hoskins, Joanna Cassidy, Christopher Lloyd, Alan Tilvern, Richard LaParmentier, Stubby Kaye, Richard Ridings, (voices) Charles Fleischer, Kathleen Turner, Lou Hirsch, David L. Lander, Mel Blanc. [PG]

It’s 1947 Los Angeles, and human beings coexist with the cartoon characters (“toons”) who star in the animated movies/shorts being produced in Hollywood. This is the fabulous premise/backdrop for a pseudo-hardboiled murder mystery where toon-hating private eye Eddie Valiant (Hoskins) investigates the murder of beloved Toontown owner Marvin Acme (Kaye), the prime suspect being Maroon Cartoon Studios star Roger Rabbit (voiced by Fleischer). Dynamite blend of live-action and animation is a stunning technical tour de force—the innovative special effects wizards, production team, director, and actors all seamlessly work together to make us really believe the toons are right there on set—but what keeps viewers coming back time and time again are the vividly-realized character archetypes, zany set pieces, oodles of funny jokes aimed at kids and adults alike (not always at the same time), and, of course, the sheer joy in seeing a pile-up of classic cartoon character cameos: everyone from Yosemite Sam and Betty Boop to Dumbo and Woody Woodpecker, to say nothing for the iconic piano duel between Daffy and Donald Duck(s). The “new” toons are also inspired—Roger, his ultra-voluptuous femme fatale wife Jessica, stogie-smoking Baby Herman, loudmouth Benny the Cab, the giggle- prone Weasels—and their human co-stars ain’t too shabby either, especially the brilliant work (both expressively and technically) from Hoskins. Fair warning: contains a scene involving a squeaky toon shoe that may emotionally scar younger viewers—myself included! Oscar winner for Editing, Visual Effects, and Sound Effects Editing, plus a special achievement trophy to Richard Williams for his animation direction. Amy Irving provides Jessica Rabbit’s singing voice.

96/100