In this film, Hollywood's animated cartoon stars of the 1940s are a subjugated minority, living in the ghetto-like 'Toontown' One of Toontown's leading citizens, Roger Rabbit, is framed for the murder of human nightclub owner Marvin Acme. Private detective Eddie Valiant reluctantly agrees to clear Roger of the accusation.
Directed by 'Robert Zemeckis, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a murder mystery turned on its (very long rabbit) ears, and a spirited tribute to the magic of animation and laughter.
Imagine watching cartoon characters and relating to them as if they were flesh-and-blood instead of paint-and-ink. This is the slap-happy effect of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and - please - a 24-carrot salute to director Robert Zemeckis.
An ingenious blend of hand-drawn animation and live action, spliced with humour that's by turns madcap, surreal and violent, Roger Rabbit demonstrates that it's possible to push the technical boundaries while still cooking up decent characters and plots.
This is a movie that demands to be seen twice. The first time, one is likely to be dazzled to the point of exhaustion; the second time, one can appreciate the artistry and good humor more easily.
For audiences who grew up with cartoons as a natural part of their moviegoing, the shock may not be the mix of live and animated folk--it may come from the truly revolutionary sight of great icons of rival studios cheerfully rubbing shoulders.
