Jojo Rabbit (2019) Review

"I wish more of our young boys had your blind fanaticism."
-Deertz




During World War II, Jojo Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) is a ten-year boy and an enthusiastic member of the Hitler Youth and even has Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi) as an imaginary friend.  One day Jojo discovers that his mother, Rosie (Scarlett Johansson), is hiding a young, Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie), in the walls and Jojo has to figure out if he's loyal to his country or his mother.


What Works:

Jojo Rabbit is one of the funniest films I've seen in a long time.  It's utterly absurd and reminds me of an episode of South Park with this level of satire.  It takes a really dark subject matter and plays it for laughs for the vast majority of the film.  Granted, we don't see any of the Holocaust in the film and it doesn't get grisly until the later part, so it's easier to keep the tone light, but it still works extraordinarily well.

That said, when the movie gets dark, it gets dark.  It isn't afraid to hit you with an emotional gut-punch.  There is one scene in particular that is nothing short of shocking.  It's a sobering reminder of what this movie actually is; a film dealing with Nazi Germany.

Thea acting is truly outstanding.  It's hard to believe this is Roman Griffin Davis's first feature film.  The kid is a natural and does a great job of taking us through the roller coaster ride of emotions Jojo has throughout the film.  He and Thomasin McKenzie have great chemistry and they are great in every scene they have together.

Scarlet Johansson is another highlight with a really funny performance.  She spends most of the movie making fun of her son in a lighthearted way, but that doesn't stop it from being hilarious.  

Taika Waititi not only directed this movie, but he plays a cartoonish, imaginary version of Adolf Hitler.  It's freakin' hysterical and Waititi's facial expressions are some of the funniest parts of the movie.

Even the smaller roles are played magnificently.  Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, Alfie Allen, Sam Rockwell, and Archie Yates all play Nazis of various levels of villainy and they all do a fantastic job. They each get multiple moments to shine, especially Rockwell.  He gets to play a character with some hidden depth and you start the movie thinking he is one thing, but learn he is something else.

Finally, the message of the film is timely.  It deals with blind fanaticism, unquestioning loyalty, and the hero worship of authority.  I get what Waititi was going for with this film and I love that he made this when he did.


What Sucks:

I got nothing for you.


Verdict:

Jojo Rabbit is a brilliant film and the best I've seen so far in 2019.  The acting is phenomenal, it's hilariously funny and doesn't hold back when it takes a turn for the dramatic.  I have no flaws to point out with this movie and it has absolutely got it going on.

 10/10: Amazing 

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