Who Framed Roger Rabbit [PG]

Private Detective Eddie Valiant is down on his luck, but things take a turn when a famous cartoon rabbit, the one and only Roger Rabbit is framed for murder. Knowing that Eddie is the only detective in the world that can help him, Roger turns to Valiant, who reluctantly agrees to help when he discovers that there is more to the case than meets the eye. As the plot continues to thicken, it’s only a matter of time before Roger is caught, tried, convicted, and executed. 

Probably one of the more twisted and violent comedies that I watched as a child, Who Framed Roger Rabbit really is a timeless classic, equally in the same field as Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The combination of animated characters working alongside live human actors is fast-becoming a lost art form. 

Private Detective Eddie Valiant has been out of the field since his brother was killed by a toon. As a result, Eddie wishes to have no business with any toon for the rest of his life. This plan is interrupted when famous toon Roger Rabbit is framed for murder. Knowing that Valiant is the only person in the world who can help him, Roger turns to Eddie and begs him to help clear his name. Eddie reluctantly agrees when he discovers that there is more to this caper than meets the eye. As the plot thickens and a conspiracy unravels, it’s only a matter of time before Roger is caught, tried, convicted, and executed. 

As I mentioned earlier, this is a movie that I was brought up with as a child. Looking back at it now, it’s no wonder that I have turned out the way I have. Albeit very funny and a great story, it did get rather violent and some scenes were pretty horrific (especially the scenes towards the end with Christopher Lloyd. I just finished watching them at the age of 20 and I still got the shivers!) 

I think the brilliant thing about this film was how it was made appropriate for a larger audience of both kids and adults. You have all these familiar cartoon characters working against the backdrop of a sinister and sometimes seedy gangster flick. The contrast was just brilliant. 

Starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, and Charles Fleischer, and the winner of 4 Academy Awards, Who Framed Roger Rabbit was a fantastic family movie (provided the kiddies are about 7 or older and there is parental guidance). It is filled with familiar characters, action, romance, a sinister plot, and is just a great and original story. A real classic!