[Still Awesome is one of our newest columns on Capes + Cartridges. Its purpose is to remove dust from past treasures and showcase why they’re still worth loving. Enjoy!]
Movie: Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Release date: June 22, 1988
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a time capsule of childhood memories for anyone who grew up in the 1980s. It was released in 1988, which makes 2013 its 25-year anniversary (man, how time flies, eh?). I remember being impressed by the film’s smooth combination of live action and cartoons when I was a kid; of course, the animation is somewhat dated by today’s standards but it still holds its own.
If you’re not familiar with the film, then allow me to briefly enlighten you. The plot centers on Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins), an alcoholic private detective recently fallen from grace. His claim to fame was representing cartoon entities – nicknamed Toons – and often proving their innocence in tough situations. Oh, did I forget to mention that cartoons and people coexist in the movie? Because they totally do.
Anyway, Eddie bites off more than he can chew when he takes a case involving cartoon star Roger Rabbit, and he ends up in the midst of a wacky mystery only he can help solve. Throw in the twisted Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd) as the antagonist, and you’re in for one hell of a ride!
Have a look for yourself. Sorry for the quality, but it’s 25 years old after all….
“Drink the Drink” scene (featuring Eddie Valiant, Judge Doom, and Roger Rabbit):
“The Benny Car Chase” scene (featuring Eddie Valiant, Roger Rabbit, and the weasel henchmen):
Jessica Rabbit’s famous scene, performing “Why Don’t You Do Right” (featuring Eddie Valiant and Jessica Rabbit):
Now that you’ve reminisced, let’s talk more about why Who Framed Roger Rabbit is still a gem.
The humor: On the surface, it’s a movie for kids complete with a (generous) PG rating. However, there are dozens of jokes and innuendos that would go straight over children’s heads and inspire snickers in adults. I just rewatched it and caught references I’d never understood 20 years ago. Plus, I can’t remember the last time I laughed out loud while watching something alone: Who Framed Roger Rabbit cracked me up on a regular basis and I’m a grown-ass woman.
The story: Sure, the plot has a couple of holes and the mystery isn’t Sherlockian by any means. But everyone can relate to Eddie Valiant, whether they’re 8 or 80. We want him to solve the case, we want him to befriend Roger, and we want him to smile again, dammit! We also desperately want to live in a world where cartoons and humans live and work side by side. Don’t even try to deny it.
The nostalgia: How many chances do you have to watch some of the most beloved cartoon characters in one movie? Whether you prefer Disney or Warner Bros, you’ll see your favorite cartoons in Who Framed Roger Rabbit! Mickey and Bugs Bunny appear in the same scene, Betty Boop and Chilly Willy the Penguin make cameos, and countless other characters coexist in the fantasy world. And if that doesn’t convince you, then how about watching Daffy Duck and Donald Duck participate in the silliest (and most epic) dueling pianos performance of all time?
Oh, and one more thing: Robert Zemeckis directed it and Alan Silvestri did the music. How could you possibly go wrong? You can’t, that’s how. Im-fuckin-possible.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is still awesome because its timeless elements outweigh its dated ones. It’s got mystery, it’s got romance, it’s got laughs, and it’s got more than enough heart to last from here to Toontown. So what if the animation appears fake in a few shots? Who cares if the humor goes slapstick at parts? You’ll have a blast watching it, and that’s what matters.