"Jojo Rabbit" is a Solid, if Not Spectacular Film With Stellar Performances

By: Keaton Marcus

75/100 “sweet”

Yes, while Taika Watiti's take on Nazi Germany with a comedic twist could have been far better, "Jojo Rabbit" excels in certain areas, especially the number of strong performers, and the comic relief. The movie is jacked with stars, but the abrupt tonal shifts didn't prove satisfying for my taste, one scene was hilarious, and then the very next one was horrifying. Despite a blend being needed between drama and comedy, Watiti hasn't quite mastered it yet. However, Roman Griffin Davis is a scene-stealer as Jojo, Scarlett Johansson is excellent, Sam Rockwell is superb and the entire supporting cast is brilliant as well. Of course, there are several issues with the execution, but overall, it proves often enjoyable, and suitably emotional. The picture truly hit all the bars with satisfactory success... and more on specific criteria, I just wish it was a tad more magnificent. Audiences will be split in half, between the humor, and the tear-jerking bits.

The cinema will be taken back nearly to the end of WWII when the Nazis were scrambling for their lives after the Allies have begun to corner them. However, for Johannes "Jojo" Betzler (Davis), the Nazi party looks like they have victory in their clutches as the 11-year old boy is nervously preparing to proudly be apart of the Hitler Youth. Of course, with help from his imaginary bud, the Führer (played by director Watiti spectacularly). After he throws a bomb, and it ricochets off a tree and nearly blows him to pieces, he's told to stay at home. That's when he finds that his mother, Rosie Betzler (an amazing Scarlett Johansson) is secretly hiding a Jew named Elsa Korr (a wonderful job by young star Thomasin McKenzie). That's when the movie really begins to take off.

Don't you remember the kid actors back in the day, like Macauley Culkin in "Home Alone", Corey Feldman in "The Goonies" or even Matthew Brodrick in "Ferris Beuler's Day Off"? Well, Roman Griffin Davis' performance as Jojo shall go down in history as one of the greatest outings for young actors, ever. Davis not only does the job, but he has injected the heart-and-soul of a boy just trying to get through life. Nothing feels forced, and Davis could be on the shortlist of underrated performances, that may or may not deserve the Oscar; nothing's impossible. He might not be iconic just yet, but if you give it another twenty years or so, with more flicks under the belt, Davis is definitely on track.

While Watiti gives us a double-dose of humor, both in the director's chair and as Hitler, several other factors steal the show. The aforementioned Sam Rockwell is thoroughly entertaining as Captain Klenzendorf, while both Rebel Wilson and Alfie Allen play his minions splendidly. Jojo's pudgy friend Yorkie is portrayed terrifically by Archie Yates, and there are many more little quips that the movie repeats. Watiti knows how to make fun of the Third Reich, forcing them to go on repeat with "heil Hitler", and cleverly adding in the Gestapo in a scene that's both terrifying and comedic. It's genuinely a kind-hearted tale of war that has its flaws but outweighs them with an application of spirit, and really, it's just a good time at the movies. But be warned, while this 108-minute flick is packed to the brim with laughs, there are some unexpected, intense moments. So don't go in expecting all rainbows and butterflies, and you'll be fine!

The final opinion is: The film's tonal shifts may not be satisfying for everyone, but "Jojo Rabbit" is a solidly-woven tale with tons of laughs, excellent performances, and beautiful cinematography...$PLURGE IT

By: Keaton Marcus

Box Office Info:

Opening: $349,555 (limited release)

Domestic Total: 33.3M

Worldwide Total: 90.3M