Review: Jojo Rabbit

Taika Waititi has become quite the powerhouse director in recent years. After initial success with indie darling 'Boy', then to a breakthrough hilarious mockumentary with 'What We Do In The Shadows' and 'Hunt For The Wilderpeople' to direct a major superhero blockbuster in 'Thor: Ragnarok'. The New Zealand has certainly put his style of comedy and film-making on the map and create an ever-growing fan-base.

On paper, having a story involving the Nazi's and it being a comedy would have you naturally being unsure whether this would work. Missing the mark in its execution could ruin this film. But with a man like Waititi at the helm and the trailer selling it for me, I knew I was in for a comedic treat.

I feel I can confidently say I was very satisfied with what I saw. Right from the get-go, Waititi's style has already got me laughing and it just never stopped. Virtually every gag was working to the highest quality and had me and pretty much everyone else in my screening howling with laughter.
While the comedy was working, the story was gradually taking the limelight the longer the film went. Then it was the second half that was showcasing Waititi's intentions for this project and it ending it up rather delightful and sweet in its execution. I was almost getting a 'Son Of Rambo' vibe about it.

The performances overall were extremely strong in what was a high-calibre ensemble. Unknown child actor Roman Griffin Davis was a revelation as the lead. Big props to Waiti and his casting crew who found this wonderful talent. His performance felt pure, innocent, authentic and his execution of his comedic moments for me got the biggest laughs of the entire film. I would be hard to a find a better first ever acting role by anyone else.

I think it helped having Waititi himself play a big supporting role for Griffin Davis to bounce off and that lead to strong chemistry between the two.

Another child actor that did a great job was Archie Yates. Like Griffin Davis, Yates is a wonderful natural talent, has great chemistry with his fellow child counterpart and also got a lot of laughs.

I had no idea that Thomasin Mackenzie was cast in this. It was such a delight to see her be part of another project. If you haven't seen Leave No Trace, please do. Mackenzie is wonderful in it and it was a breakthrough role for her.

Sam Rockwell continues to be fantastic in another one of his many supporting roles. He fitted the tone perfectly and got a lot of laughs out of me.

I feared Rebel Wilson would drop the comedy down a bit as her style rarely works for me. But I'm glad she contributed well and got enough laughs out of me.

Another cast member that I wasn't sure would work, was Scarlett Johansson. It was certainly out of her comfort zone. But as her character was more for the heartfelt part of the story, it worked to her advantage.

It was also nice seeing Stephen Merchant make a small appearance and he certainly made the most of it with a very funny sequence.

I was surprised to notice that a lot of the cinematography, tone and even character tropes at times almost felt like I was watching a Wes Anderson film. I hope I'm not the only one that picked up on this.

I honestly don't have a notable negative to mention. If I was being nit-picky, then I think maybe the gags could have been sharper, wittier and then generally cleverer.

But while comedy may not be layered or deep in its themes and the gags may in the end be forcing cheap laughs. It made sense to me as the story was from a child's perspective.

This is an absolute hoot and great comedy with a lot of heart and playful mindset. The cast are nothing short of brilliant. Griffin Jones and Yates showed their talent to the fullest and I look forward to see their future blossom.
While a lot of people will remember this for the gags, there is a really sweet story that develops with a highly satisfying ending.

I can see myself and many others give this multiple viewings and the re-watchability factor may be the strongest part of the film. The talent of Waititi continues to grow and I cannot for his next project.

Rating: 8/10