It doesn’t always hit all the right notes, but there’s something charming and irresistible about this World War II satire, courtesy of Taika Waititi. “Jojo Rabbit” is just as quirky as it sounds, as we follow Johannes “Jojo” Betzler, a 10-year-old German boy who also happens to be a die-hard Hitler fan. One day, he discovers that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl at home, which leads to a series of unpredictable events. I approached this film with a mix of excitement and precaution, the way I always do with satirical films. What I got in return was a unique experience that shows a director growing in confidence and maturity. Waititi is not only calling the shots here, he also portrays a silly version of Adolf Hitler, Jojo’s imaginary pal. I still wish I loved the film a bit more, especially when it reached its final act, but I can easily applaud its sheer originality, from the peculiar characters to the wonderful production design. If anything, “Jojo Rabbit” will leave a silly smile on your face.
Categories: 3/4, comedy, drama, The Twenty-First Century