Jo Jo Rabbit

       Not since "The Producers" have Hitler and the Nazis been satirized to this extent. This totally original and off the wall black comedy skewers the racism of Hitler's Germany and the absurdity of war. Written for the screen (based on the novel, "Caging Skies") and directed by Taika Waititi, it is the story of Jo Jo, a ten year old boy who's extreme nationalism leads him to join one of Hitler's youth camps hoping to one day be part of Hitler's private guard. 

        Jo Jo has an imaginary friend, a  clownish version of Adolph Hitler, played for laughs by Mr. Waititi. Jo Jo is played brilliantly by Roman Griffin Davis, in his film debut. If this young man continues an acting career, he will quickly become a star. He is just incredible to watch in a complicated role. The film also stars Scarlett Johansson as his mother, Rosie and Tomasin McKenzie as Elsa. Representing the Nazis are Sam Rockwell as the commander of the Hitler youth camp, Rebel Wilson and Alfie Allen as his subordinates, and Stephen Merchant as a very creepy Gestapo agent.

       Most of the film is played for laughs but there is always a serious undertone due to the subject matter. There is one scene in particular, that may bring tears to your eyes. But the message of anti-hate is clear and good does triumph over evil in the end. Credit Mr. Waititi to deftly balance the sensitive and serious subject matter with a comedic touch. 

Parasite

      The latest film from acclaimed Korean writer/director, Bong Joon-ho will surprise and shock you. A highly unusual take on class warfare, it's both a satirical black comedy as well as a thriller. It is the story of the Kim family, living at the poverty line and what happens when an opportunity presents itself, in the form of the wealthy Park family. It's full of fun and shocking twists you will never see coming.

       Bong Joon-ho's direction is impeccable and while most of the story takes place in one location, the cinematography is brilliant.  Song Kang-ho leads a terrific Korean cast as the destitute father, Kim Ki-taek. A veteran of many Bong Joon-ho films, he is always dependable to give a great performance. Other standouts are Choi Woo-Shik as his son, Kim Ki-woo and Cho Yeo-jeong as the wealthy Mrs. Park.

        Revealing any more of the plot will spoil the fun. Suffice to say, it's a wild ride. The film is in Korean, with English sub-titles.

         

Joker

          Director Todd Phillips, most known for comedy, turns his attention to the serious origin story of Batman's most famous nemesis, The Joker. Make no mistake this film, while it's roots are in the Batman universe, is not about superheroes or their villains and it is definitely not for kids. Think "Taxi Driver" meets "Death Wish".

          Born from the comics, The Joker has been played by many actors but his origins have never been fully explored. There are multiple versions but Mr. Phillips and his co-screenwriter Scott Silver, focus on a dark, grim story of mental instability and a failing health care system. Dropping the pronoun since the character is not quite fully formed until the end, "Joker" starts dark and only gets darker as it goes. While shot mostly in New York, it takes place in  fictitious Gotham City and while Bruce Wayne makes an appearance, Batman does not (although we do get a glimpse of his own origin). The city is dark, crime is high, a garbage strikes turns things even more foul and dank. The atmosphere is ripe for protest and all it takes is one lunatic to ignite the fuse for civil upheaval.  

          While the grim tone of the film almost makes it unbearable to watch, it is the performance of Joaquin Phoenix that make it all worthwhile. He is simply phenomenal. Depressed, angry, and stabilized only by medication,  Mr. Phoenix's character, Arthur Fleck, is a walking time bomb. Mr. Phoenix's maniacal laugh, body language, demeanor and eventual descent into complete homicidal madness, is a wonder to behold. At first he creates a very sympathetic character (part time clown and wannabe stand up comic) but by film's end, he is a character to be feared, the unhinged murderous lunatic Batman fans have come to know.

         The film co-stars Francis Conroy as Arthur's mother and Robert DeNiro as a talk show host (an homage of sorts to the role Jerry Lewis played with Mr. DeNiro in "King of Comedy"). In a deliberate fitting twist, Mr. DeNiro in that film,once the stalker, now becomes Arthur's obsession. Also co-starring are Zazie Beetz as Arthur's neighbor and possible love interest, and Glen Fleshler as a fellow clown.

          The film's cinematography and score capture the dark mood perfectly. The city hasn't looked this slimy and grim since the '70's. If you live in New York, you may find the terrible location continuity bothersome ( for example, Washington Heights is not magically connected to Bay Ridge Brooklyn) but it can be forgiven as it serves the story well.

      The film's message is pretty clear. When the system fails the mentally ill, the potential for a violent outcome is that much greater. We have seen this over and over again in real life, especially in recent years and there are genuine fears that "Joker" can incite real violence.  While Mr. Phoenix gives a tremendous performance, there is little entertainment value in watching him sink into madness and bring society down along with him.