When someone says "Taika Waititi is going to write and direct a new movie!", you stop everything and you get excited! Now, I'm sure some of you are wondering who Taika Waititi is? Well, He's the man responsible for co-creating "Flight of The Concords", "What We Do In The Shadows", as well as the amazing New Zealand movie "The Hunt for The Wilder People". Oh, and of course "Thor Ragnarok". So now you know why you need to stop everything? Ok, Let's start the review shall we?
So "Jojo Rabbit" is based on the book "Caging Skies" in which it tells the story of Johannes Betzler (An avid member of Hitlers Youth) who discovers his parents hiding a Jewish girl named Elsa behind a false wall in their home. His initial horror turns to interest—then love and obsession. After his parents disappear, Johannes is the only one aware of Elsa’s existence in the house and he alone is responsible for her fate. Drawing strength from his daydreams about Hitler, Johannes plans for the end of the war and what it might mean for him and Elsa.
Now, reading that synopsis you wouldn't think this screams comedy right? I know me neither. But the way Taika wrote this adaption he turned it into a beautifully made journey that's super funny as hell. But just when you think it gets funnier, He punches you in the gut with emotion. There wasn't a dry eye in the house for this specific scene. But throughout the entire movie, you care for every character. Especially Roman Griffin Davis who plays the lead character Jojo and Thomasin McKenzie who plays Elsa the girl that Jojos parents hide in their house. The chemistry between them was magical. Before I get to the other actors, I wanted to give a shout out to Archie Yates who plays Jojos' best friend. Every time he came on screen there was a smile on my face. He was definitely a fan favorite during the screening. "Jojo Rabbit" has a stellar cast including Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johanson, Rebel Wilson all giving memorable performances and of course Taika Waititi as Der Fuhrer himself. You'll never laugh at Hitler as much as the way he portrays him. I don't want to spoil any of this movie but there's a small great joke about German Shepards that brought the house down.
To sum it all up, "Jojo Rabbit" is easily my favorite movie of 2019. Beautifully cast, & Wonderfully Written & Directed. "Jojo" not only brings the laughs, but it makes you have the feels. Everyone should see this when it comes out on October 18th. Thank you Fox Searchlight & Beyond Fest for this brilliant west coast premiere.
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