Go see it

Rating: 10/10 (10 January 2020)

JOJO RABBIT: I can only imagine the conversation: 'Here's an idea. Let's make a movie about the Hitler Youth in Germany during the latter stages of WWII, and put it all on the shoulders of an unknown 11 year old kid and put up 14 million dollars to do it.' Ya gotta be kidding, right? Well guess what folks. They did it and it's a delight. If you think 'Springtime for Hitler' from The Producers was funny, you'll love Jojo. Jojo is a 10 year old boy in the Hitler Youth who's imaginary friend is The Führer himself, played with delicious buffoonery by writer/director Taika Waititi. Scarlett Johanson is just wonderful as Jojo's mom and Thomasin McKenzie as the little Jewish girl who is hidden away in a secret room in their home is just delightful. Sam Rockwell is ridiculously funny as the H.Y. commander and is backed up beautifully by Rebel Wilson (whom I generally don't care for). Jojo's friend, Yorki is played by Archie Yates and is also outstanding. The dialogue is original and funny, the physical comedy hits the mark every time while the background story is poignant and sometimes sweet in a very honest and real way. The training scenes are hysterical. The direction, the dialogue, the sight gags are perfectly edited and the period production values are first rate. The kid who plays Jojo (Roman Griffin) is absolutely phenomenal: Has incredible range, cute as a button, spot on reactions, brilliant comic timing, so honest and believable, endearing and handles the pathos in a genuine way. I'd love to see the cast get the Ensemble SAG Award just so this kid could win. Not only that, he should get an Oscar nom for his performance because the kid carries the movie. Score: 9.5. GO! You'll hiel this one. 1/10/20