Amazing Satire With a Great Message

Rating: 8/10 (17 November 2019)

Jojo Rabbit Review:

Jojo Rabbit is a World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy named Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi), Jojo must confront his blind nationalism. Just by the plot synapsis, I don't know how anybody couldn't be interested. Also with Taika Waititi directing, writing, and staring it in, that makes it on a whole new level, which it is. I found myself having a great time throughout the film. I saw it at a 10:40 showing on a whim after a long day and it was worth it. The story is what hooked me right at the start. It dives right in from the beginning with the Nazi camp. It reminded me so much of Moonrise Kingdom with the style and the whole camp. I will add there was a little trouble with tone switching and that affected the story just a little at the beginning before getting to the main conflict of Scarlett Johansson's character hiding a Jewish girl in their house. The story is good at the beginning but the tone had a little awkwardness to it. The acting is very strong in here as well. Obviously Taika Waititi portrays a good Hitler. Very comical and being like him. I'd push for him to get nominated for best supporting actor, but that category is pretty full at the moment. The other supporting character, Johansson, is also really strong. I'd say this is my favorite performance that I've seen from her and I'd push for her for the nomination as well, but it's also a tight race for that category. Her character had so much to say to spread a good message. All of her likes me at so much. Also her character was kind of crazy, in a good way, which made for such an entertaining watch. The way she raises Jojo, played by the marvelous Roman Griffin Davis, and their relationship was my favorite aspect. Just all the relationships in general I should add. I'm just amazed that this was Davis's first time acting in a film. I can see a Golden Globe nomination in his future. But by far the best performance, which I didn't expect, came from Thomasin McKenzie. I just wish people would talk about her more. Every scene from her was practically flawless. Just her character in general made me smile from her wittiness and feel sad for her situation. Personally she has had one of the best performances of the entire year. The film is very good with its humor. Many people have been worried beforehand that it would be offensive, but somehow they never cross the line with it. Rebel Wilson has a smaller role and she makes joke all the time. I thought she was hilarious and good at providing humor. Alongside Wilson is Sam Rockwell and he was pretty funny as well but more serious, especially as the film progresses. So there's a point, about a little over halfway through, where the tone switches completely to very serious. I went from laughing to basically on the verge of tears. At that point the film really soared and I didn't want it to end. So much happened and that was it's strong part, story-wise. It managed to get back to the satire part in a good way to provide some levity to the dark situation. The film really ended perfectly. I couldn't ask for a better ending to this. For the technicalities and all of that, the cinematography was really good. It captured everything in a unique way, at least I thought, and the amazing production design. I will riot if the production design isn't nominated for anything. The score had that camp sound to it, once again very similar to Moonrise Kingdom. Overall Jojo Rabbit is a beautiful film. There's a few flaws here and there but it soars. I think with the strong message and the popularity of it, there's a strong chance of it winning best picture. It's a little hard at the moment since there's not a strong front runner, which is a good sign, but I consider it a strong front runner. Definitely see this if you get the chance. I don't know how anyone could be disappointed.
My Grade: A-