Movie Review -- JoJo Rabbit
Rating: *****
Since we're all staying home, entertainment has become important. I'm constantly scanning movies to find the true gems, and JoJo Rabbit was a great find.
Let me preface my review by saying I really enjoy books and movies that have a heart, and this one didn't let me down. The story is consistently told in an earnest manner from the point of view of 10-year-old JoJo, a young man who has been indoctrinated as a Nazi during World War II.
The movie opens with JoJo getting mentally ready to go to an army youth camp for the weekend. JoJo's imaginary Hitler, his buddy up until the end of the film, inspires him to courage and revelry. He flies and skips and jumps down the road to go to camp.
This youth camp experience turns out to be a major calamity, and this puts JoJo onto a new path. I was astonished when they gave young kids knives, and then proceeded to the pivotal scene where JoJo is supposed to "kill" a rabbit. Of course, JoJo's big heart prevails -- although the rabbit's fate is not so nice. This scene gives JoJo his nickname -- JoJo Rabbit.
The over-the-top nonsense ends with JoJo literally getting scarred for life. And it also leads him to discover his mother is hiding a young Jewish girl (Elise) in the walls of their home. While JoJo agrees to say nothing, he decides he wants to investigate Jewish culture, which has been demonized by the Nazi regime. This soon bonds the two characters and creates a friendship.
Scene chewing characters include the hapless colonel who ends up protecting JoJo, and the (as always) hilarious Rebel Wilson who astoundingly sends boys off to war. She's always interesting to watch, and she added a comedic touch.
The film is one of the best I've seen this season. The violence though might scare young children, so keep that in mind. I highly recommend JoJo Rabbit.
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