Jojo Rabbit (2019)
An anti-hate satire.
This one came recommended from a coworker and a podcast that I watch. Probably a bunch of other people would recommend it too, seems like one of those kind of movies where it’d get a good reception. It’s also not entirely out of my field book either - I’ve enjoyed other humorous romps involving some form of Hitler before - such as The Producers. Still, let’s satiate that wanting to know and just get right down to it, tonight’s movie is JoJo Rabbit.
JoJo is a kid living in Nazi Germany during the big second. Him and his imaginary friend - the great Adolph Hitler, who is in fact also still a real person in this movie’s timeline, but who shouldn’t be confused with the imaginary more entertaining imaginary Hitler - are living their life as the best little Nazi they can. Unfortunately for him, he’s a little bit of a soft fella - what with being 10 or so - and it gets him picked on a bit by the more extreme Nazi followers, which in turn leads to an accident with a hand grenade. Things just sort of spiral from there as he deals with all sorts of things - more than usually with some form of comedic balancing involved. It’s one part coming of age, it’s one part satire of a time that many would consider the worst, and largely a romp of fun and enjoyment with dark edges.
You might think that perhaps it’s going to be a bit in poor taste - and who knows, maybe it is. Humor is subjective, and what a person finds offensive can also be pretty subjective. That being said, this movie doesn’t ever really act with the intent of being malicious about anything, so it shouldn’t be tearing anyone up on that front (not that it’ll stop someone from feeling attacked if that’s their disposition). Still, considering the setting and some of the subject matter at hand, it speaks volumes that most of the movie is highly entertaining and fun to watch. There are a few dark spots in there that I think it would behoove most parental types to watch it before letting their kiddos check it out, but it’s only a few moments as opposed to the long run. Imaginary Hitler is also quite the blast.
Which of course leads to the actors - we’ve got a handful here, and they do a good job. Sure, they can get over the top at times, and the entire movie to some extent feels a little bit revved up for humor purposes, but it all feels solid with what’s being attempted. The kid actors do a fine job, which is something that people who’ve gotten used to it might not fully appreciate. Some of the dialogue they have might feel a little out of place for kids, but it services moments well and often times brings a good amount of humor to it as well. The best friends conversation is a great example of this, feeling both a bit out of place in what’s being said but also fitting the moment and feel just fine. As a testament to the acting though, when a moment really wants to be serious, it knows how to knock it off and just play it straight though.
Youth camp is a blast isn’t it?
Although the actors do a good job, part of the credit for this movie doing so good goes to imaginary Hitler - or should I say Waititi. He’s already shown before that he’s got acting chops, but this also isn’t his first merry go round in showing off how well he can direct. Most people have him to thank for their favorite Thor movie, and let’s not forget the fact that anyone who watched What we do in the Shadows loved it. The man has a solid grasp on humor, but also knows how to tell a story and control the pacing well. The overall look of the movie is good and crisp, and how it’s put together is also quite enjoyable from the editing front.
Comedy here is pretty good. Yeah, the usual deal I mention whenever we get to this point still stands, but I had a good chuckle or laugh here and there. Some of it’s the set up leading to a fine punchline, some of it’s whats being said, and some of it is just how it all comes out on screen. Little things will come back around as well - in one scene we might have imaginary Hitler comment about having a dinner of unicorns and later one he’s got an over-the-top unicorn head trussed up like a hog head. Sometimes slow motion gets used to emphasize a scene - like the grenade accident scene - that helps to build the impact when things don’t go as planned. Most people should find some good laughs in here, but it’s not all about the highs either - you may be laughing through most of it, but be advised that there’s certainly some sad stuff in there as well.
Costumes look good. It’s setting appropriate in looks, with a few embellishments here and there I’m sure. Things retain some color to them, normally popping a bit on screen - which is nice. Some effects work does exist - there some guns and explosions, a little bit of blood or wounded folks - nothing incredibly graphic. In fact, you could say that the most impactful moment of violence is also one of the calmest, cleanest ones. Still, you don’t tend to get confused as to who a character is, even with a lot of the uniforms being so similar.
Woah there Hitler - not that kind of blast!
This was a fun movie. I got some laughs in, I noticed some moments for ‘the feels’, and overall it looked darn good. I can see why so many people had nothing but good things to say about it, because it is in fact really good stuff. It’s getting to the point where I’m starting to think if it’s got Waititi involved in it I’d be doing myself a favor to watch it. Still, I’d recommend the adults in a situation look at it before they let their kiddos watch it to make sure the more serious moments aren’t too mature for them. Otherwise, I think most people will have a splendid time here in this charming little romp.