Movie Review: Jojo Rabbit

Although this film was initially released in October of last year, I was only just recently able to sit down and watch Taika Waititi’s most recent directorial offering. The premise alone hooked me, as I have never seen a comedy which also critiques the Nazi regime in World War II Germany. I figure that reviewing this film before the Academy Awards on February 9th is justified, as Jojo Rabbit is nominated for Best Picture among other categories. I would describe this film as a dark comedy which attempts to make a larger anti-war and pro-inclusivity statement, but at times struggles with tone, pacing, and impact. Let’s get into what I liked and didn’t like about this movie.

I have to start by praising the performances given by the stellar ensemble cast. Roman Griffin Davis makes his feature-film debut here, and at only twelve years old, delivers a very strong lead performance that showcases his impressive range. This was also the third portion of Scarlett Johansson’s trifecta year, having starred in Avengers: Endgame, Marriage Story, and now Jojo Rabbit all in 2019. Her performance as Rosie in this film is magnetic and charming, worthy of the Best Actress nomination that it received. The rest of the ensemble cast rounds out and boosts this film, with other notable performances from Sam Rockwell, Thomasin McKenzie, and Taika himself as imaginary Hitler, a role only he could play and pull off.

The first two thirds of this movie are very comical with several laugh-out-loud moments. That is the part of the film that I enjoyed most. There’s a tonal change entering the third act that completely shifts the overall mood of the story, and the shocking twist included feels somewhat unearned, unable to leave as much of an emotional impact as it intends to. This film also has a generally positive message, but I feel that Waititi could’ve made that message even more evident and impactful than the final product offered here just by tweaking a couple of story details. That isn’t to say that this movie is tone-deaf toward a sensitive subject, but instead, it just doesn’t live up to the potential that the beginning of the film set it up for.

Overall, I enjoyed watching Jojo Rabbit. It’s a well-made, funny, heartfelt, and poignant movie. There are some changes that I would’ve made to the pacing, tone, and story, but that isn’t to say that it’s bad by any means. It’s good. This film is deserving of the multiple Oscar nominations it received, but I don’t see it winning Best Picture. What did you think of this movie? What would you have changed? Octopuses, rhinoceroses, or rhinoctopuses? Gesundheit. Thanks for reading.

Score: 7/10

Movie Review: Portrait of a Lady on Fire

As I was lying in bed late last night with a candle lit and raindrops gently tapping up against my window, I knew I was in for a treat during the opening minutes of Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This French film tells the story of an artist hired to paint a portrait of a woman about to be married, and through its beautiful simplicity, tells a story of love, loss, and having an unspoken, lifelong connection with someone who is no longer there on a daily basis. This film is spectacular.

Telling stories that are confined to few characters in limited locations requires smart dialogue, crafty cinematography, and compelling themes throughout. After watching The Lighthouse, I found it interesting that it was one of the only stories I had seen told so well in such a manner. That changed after watching Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This film takes its time in advancing its plot, is intentional in every way, and invites you to bear witness to the rise and fall of a beautiful and inherently doomed relationship.

Every single frame taken from this film looks like an 18th century work of art. The cinematography and shot-selection is absolutely stunning, and propels the beauty of the relationship being depicted here. Everything advances slowly but logically and harmonically, crescendoing in a heart-wrenching, satisfying, and fulfilling concluding scene which should be remembered as iconic. All of these aspects are backed up by award-deserving performances and direction from Noémie Merlant, Adéle Haenel, and Céline Sciamma, respectively, who gorgeously portray a story about the importance of seeing and being seen through a female perspective.

The past few weeks have been incredible for me film-wise. I’ve seen 1917, Parasite, and Portrait of a Lady on Fire, which are some of the best films I’ve seen in the past few years. I highly recommend seeing this movie if possible, as it a viewing pleasure and an emotional firestorm. Another masterpiece.

Score: 10/10

Movie Review: Parasite

After months of hearing about how good Bong Joon-ho’s newest film Parasite was, I was ecstatic to see that it was finally coming to Amazon Prime Video for streaming. As soon as I had a chance, I sat down and decided to watch what’s looking more and more like a Best Picture contender for the upcoming Academy Awards. Upon watching, I wasn’t disappointed to say the least. I really can’t stop thinking about this film.

Bong Joon-ho is masterful at crafting compelling, character-driven stories. His acceptance speech at the Golden Globes explaining how overcoming the 2-inch barrier of subtitles opens a whole world of cinema is absolutely right, and this movie is a perfect example of that. Not even five minutes into the film and I completely forgot I was watching a film in another language. The story is wildly compelling, causing this film’s 132 minute runtime to fly by.

This film is both a psychological thriller, social commentary, and at times, a comedy. Parasite creates an atmosphere of both familiarity and uncomfortability, and because of that, is unlike most films I’ve ever seen. Its story is very straightforward, but there are still plenty of twists and unexpected plot points that keep this movie from becoming predictable.

The direction is incredible and propels an exceptionally written screenplay. Each performance is unique and adds something important to the movie as a whole. I was on the edge of my seat for the back half of the film, and moved by its socially conscious albeit somewhat unrealistic conclusion. Not only will this film entertain you, but it will stick with you and make you think after it ends.

I highly recommend checking out Parasite before the Oscars next month. Having seen all of the frontrunners for Best Picture, I could easily see Parasite taking home that prestigious reward. It would be highly deserved.

Score: 10/10

Movie Review: 1917

I usually give myself some time after watching a film to let it to process before I review it. 1917 just couldn’t wait. This movie’s wide-release has started the new decade off as strongly as possible. Sam Mendes has created and executed one of the most technically proficient and emotionally provocative masterpieces I have ever seen. This film’s seamless one-shot stylization had me captivated for its entire runtime, and I left feeling a wide array of emotions due to its powerful messaging. Let’s get into why this film is as successful as it is.

As previously stated, this film is a cinematic achievement. From beginning to end, barring the intentional passage of time toward the middle of the film, this really does feel like one continuous sequence. The coordination, camera work, and direction needed to pull this off is absolutely staggering and deserves all of the critical acclaim it will inevitably continue to receive. Richard Deakins’ cinematography is impeccable and adds significantly to an already emotionally compelling screenplay.

The simplicity of the story also helps the format of this film. The two protagonists are given a mission to deliver a message in a certain amount of time, and that’s really all there is to the direct plot of this movie. The depth comes in small (and big) character moments, revealing dialogue, and unspoken visual allusions of the complexity of the characters on screen. Not a line is wasted, and no plot element introduced is irrelevant later on. The performances from the two leads in this film, George MacKay’s specifically, are very well executed, but are certainly carried along by the astounding filmmaking here.

The messaging behind this film speaks volumes, too, and adds another impressive layer to this masterwork. While focusing so much on the details of two soldiers’ stories, this film also brings awareness to the atrocities and desensitization of war in our society through its occasional use of gore and brutality. This film is a proficient war movie which, at the end of the day, actually ends up driving home a poignant anti-war message. A very timely one at that.

1917 was everything I had hoped for and more. The emotional heaviness of a film as intense and at times sad as this one would usually make me avoid wanting a re-watch, but in this case, I wouldn’t mind seeing it again. And again. And again. I’m now glad, from what I’ve seen so far, that this film won Best Motion Picture - Drama at the Golden Globes, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it take home best picture at the Academy Awards next month (I still need to see Parasite). All in all: Go see this accomplishment of a film. It’s masterful.

Score: 10/10