In recent memory, we've been treated to more 3D animation and CGI than ever before, with key characters coming to life thanks to mocap technology and painstaking detail from digital artists. Before this technological revolution, however, directors had to find different ways to push the envelope, and that's exactly what Robert Zemeckis did with Who Framed Roger Rabbit all the way back in 1988.
Admittedly, I had never seen this movie until recently. Kids who grew up on Who Framed Roger Rabbit had no context for if this movie was good or bad, believable or utterly ridiculous. What surprised me most with my first viewing at the age of 28 in the year 2020 was how grounded this film is. Yes, you're brought into a world in which toons (animated characters from properties like Looney Toons and Disney) co-exist alongside our live-action "real" world. But that aside, everything in this movie could be really happening, or at least happening in the 1947 version of Hollywood that the film is set in.
Bob Hoskins Expertly Leads This Film
Private detective Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) has to cope with the fact that a toon murdered his brother while on the job, often turning to alcohol to cope with his feelings. And this is just the tip of the emotional iceberg that this movie throws at you -- Roger Rabbit feels his marriage is failing when he sees pictures of his wife playing patty-cake with Marvin Acme, who himself is killed by a falling safe the next day. This leads Eddie Valiant and Roger Rabbit on an investigation that reveals a much larger plot, unveiling not only the identity of the murderer but the reading of a last will and testament and a capitalistic plan to profit from the destruction of Toon Town.
No matter how high the stakes get, the film would never have withstood the test of time if not for its lead performance in Bob Hoskins. Hoskins brings everything to his character that you would expect in any modern drama -- intrigue, mystery, flaws, clear motivations and a troubled past. He's not perfect, and his discrimination against the toons for much of the movies makes his arc at the end of the film even more satisfying. In an age of animated films that can depict 2-dimensional characters and clear lessons of right and wrong, it's refreshing that this movie has a protagonist with clear prejudices that he needs to confront and resolve. That depth of character, more than any achievements in animation, is what helps this film remain enjoyable today.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit Review
When you look at the Who Framed Roger Rabbit Awards, you'll find it won the Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing and a BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects. This became an iconic film because of its brilliant combination of modern animation and a classic approach to acting and directing. Every character, every moment in this movie is thoughtfully considered and executed. And for a 1988 kids' film, it's surprising the number of adult themes and jokes that this movie tackles. Whether you're a long-time viewer or have yet to experience it, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a great film for anyone of any age to watch today.
RORSCHACH RATING:
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Curious for other film reviews or TV reviews? Check out our Harley Quinn season one review or our To The Stars review[DR2] .
Victims and Villains is written and produced by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey. Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Beggars. This post was edited by Cam Smith. Blood Quantum is property of Shudder and Elevation Pictures.. We do not own nor claim any rights. Blood Quantum is available now on Shudder!
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