Film: Jojo Rabbit

GENRE: Comedy, Drama, War

RATING: PG-13 for thematic elements, violence and language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 48 minutes

STARRING: Roman Griffin Davis (newcomer), Taika Waititi (Thor 3)

Thomasin McKenzie (The Hobbit), Sam Rockwell (Vice, Moon)

DIRECTOR: Taika Waititi (Thor 3, Hunt for the Wilderpeople)

WRITER: Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows)

PLOT: A young boy in Hitler’s army finds his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home. Y’know . . . comedy.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Preparing for Oscars. And heard good things.

STORY STUFF: Leave it to Waititi to adapt and direct a film that makes Nazi fanaticism goofy and make you feel for the Anne Frank-ness of the main storyline. It’s a bizarre mix that’s not for everyone but my wife and I found it immensely entertaining. If you can’t get past Jojo’s wacky Adolph Hitler imaginary friend, then this movie is not for you. For the rest of you, it’s pretty engaging and worth your time.

ACTING STUFF: Waititi has a gift for finding talented young actors. Like Julian Dennison in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Davis is awesome as a young boy wishing to be a Nazi and friends with Hitler. He’s simply adorable and a treat to watch; instantly likeable. Along with Jojo, is the equally adorable pudgy friend, Yorki, played by newcomer Archie Yates. McKenzie plays well with Davis as the Jewish girl with an edge. Scarlet Johansson plays Jojo’s mother with care and humour. (What a big year for her.) Sam Rockwell & Rebel Wilson are quite funny as Nazi instructors and Stephen Merchant is fun as a cordial gestapo, but the highlight of the adults is Waititi as Adolph. He plays Hitler with such crazy energy and goofiness, it’s enough to make Charlie Chaplin’s dictator applaud.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Due to the bizarre nature of the story, there are some strange camera movements and fun playing with speeds. The opening montage of the camp is downright hilarious and got us laughing out loud. Some very fun music choices as well.

VERDICT: Four and half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You are ready for something completely different.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: 1917