MOVIE REVIEW: “Jojo Rabbit” stars Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie (Leave No Trace, The King), Scarlett Johansson (Marriage Story [2019], The Avengers [2012]), Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows [2014], Thor: Ragnarok), Sam Rockwell (Seven Psychopaths, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri), Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect, Isn’t It Romantic), Alfie Allen (John Wick, Game of Thrones [TV series]), Stephen Merchant (Logan, Tooth Fairy), and Archie Yates. It is written and directed by Taika Waititi. A young boy living in Nazi Germany with Hitler (Waititi) as his imaginary friend discovers that his mom is secretly hiding a Jewish girl in their house.

It’s not often you get to see a film that you would make given the resources. Such is the case for “Jojo Rabbit,” a wonderful feature written and directed by none other than Taika Waititi. It’s a project that’s been long in the works, one I’ve been following for a few years, and only now have I gotten the chance to see it. Well… I saw it a few weeks ago, but c’est la vie. This film is absolutely wonderful. Filled with witty humor, well-written banter, and beautiful visuals, “Jojo Rabbit” bestows an experience unlike any other, satirizing the situation in Nazi Germany by focusing on a boy whose imaginary friend is Hitler. I thought the flick would be controversial; turned out it was tucked under the rug. There’s really nothing to get into a fuss about with this. The story is innocent, as is our hero. What appears to be such a bleak, dark world has a simplistic, genuine undertone to it that far separates it from what most films are putting out nowadays. Sure, Waititi may have crafted a piece similar to the stylings of Wes Anderson, but that doesn’t stop me from loving it nonetheless. We need more of these witty features; they evoke a sense of fascination, exploration, and uniqueness that is just so darned hard to find in cinema. Of course, I could be incredibly biased with my opinion, given the fact that the visual and writing style of this scream “me,” but that’s why this is my review. The film is chock full of fun stuff, with amazing performances that tie everything together. Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell are flat-our awesome, with Waititi doing what he does best and newcomer Roman Griffin Davis knocking it out of the park. Everyone did well in this and set the bar for Waititi films to come, for this clearly is his best work (from what I’ve seen). Not only that, but the story submerges itself into the reality of its situation, blending humor with realism to create something special and honest. I love “Jojo Rabbit,” and I think most people would too. Really, the only issue I had was how predictable it was. We know where the story is leading (outside a minor plot element that I did not see coming), however it’s hard not to know that. With a lead character who is oblivious to the harsh truths of the regime he is dedicated to serving, it’s obvious that he will come to a realization and seek redemption. Even with this in mind, “Jojo Rabbit” is a fun experience that will be hard to forget. If you’re looking something entertaining with a heart, I’d strongly recommend it. FINAL SCORE: 96%= Juicy Popcorn

This movie has been inducted into The Juicy Hall of Fame.

Here is the trailer: