How 1980s fantasy comedies revolutionized live action and animation at the same time

by Robert Scocchi
| Published 23 seconds ago

1988 Who Framed Roger Rabbit? It was so ahead of its time that it’s still rare to see a seamless blend of live action and animation that comes close to that, even in 2025. It was filmed using VistaVision cameras that allowed actors to convincingly interact with animated characters, and it seems like something that would require modern technology to pull off what it did nearly 40 years ago.

With an incredible number of quips and visual gags per minute, Bob Hoskins came into this project knowing the mission. His deadpan delivery creates chaos perfectly, anchoring the over-the-top fantasy comedy where madness dominates every frame.

He plays a crime noir who refuses to take itself seriously. Who Framed Roger Rabbit? It is pure slapstick, fast paced with no regard for the audience’s ability to keep up with its fast-paced humor.

Even the long-awaited (and currently anticipated) Coyote vs. Peak surfaces finally, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? It remains the best of its kind.

Special boiled rooster with rabbit to grind

Bob Hoskins stars as Eddie Valiant, a private investigator with a personal grudge against animatronics, animatronics that live and work alongside humans. Eddie doesn’t tolerate bullshit but he can’t help himself around the ladies. Hired by morally bankrupt studio head R. K. Maron (Alan Telfern) to dig up dirt on cartoon star Roger Rabbit, Eddie stumbles into a wide-ranging conspiracy involving murder, studio corruption, and Judge Doom.Christopher Lloyd) Unethical politics that threaten the essence of Toontown.

Alongside Roger Rabbit is Jessica Rabbit, voiced by Kathleen Turner and played by Betsy Brantley as a live-action reference. We also encounter Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Sylvester, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Betty Boop, and countless other cartoon icons that elevate the already wild premise.

Live action vs animation

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? It’s all in keeping with a mix of live action and animation. Space jam It’s fun, but it doesn’t have to Bob Hoskins He holds it the way he does here.

An unwilling participant in the madness surrounding him, Eddie Valiant’s angry reactions to the antics of the animatronics are what sells this film. The character is clearly constantly annoyed but reluctantly invested, and doesn’t want to be there, but Hoskins clearly does. His enthusiasm translates wonderfully to the screen, where he turns the bitter eye into someone more colorful than the caricatures around him despite his stiff demeanor.

The Run Who Framed Roger Rabbit

I’m always revisiting the movies that made my childhood wonderful as I look for something my kids can enjoy on family movie night, and I’m happy to report that Who Framed Roger Rabbit? He is still standing on every level. You can watch it for the gags and cartoon mayhem, or try to count the number of scenes that land, especially the ones that parents pick up on while the kids remain unaware of the insinuations. There’s something here for everyone, and it deserves a permanent place in every family’s rotation.