‘Jimmy’ Review: Cornball James Stewart Biopic Gets the Manner, but Not the Man
As one of Hollywood’s staunchest Republicans, the late James Stewart perhaps wouldn’t be rolling in his grave in response to “Jimmy,” a biopic that — in focusing rather less on his artistry than on his military service — paints him in a glowingly conservative light. But either way, he deserves better than this hokey, superficial […]
James Stewart, the renowned actor of "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "It's a Wonderful Life," stars in the biopic "Jimmy." A notable scene depicts Stewart breaking down during World War II, grappling with the conflict between his American ideal and his own shortcomings. He declares to his companion, Julia, that this is his reality, not a movie. This scene is criticized for its forced realism, as Julia is a fictional, composite character representing Stewart's girlfriends.
"Jimmy" is targeted at two types of viewers: those who adore James Stewart and those who were forced to watch the film. If you are familiar with Stewart's work, you will appreciate the film's numerous references and details. However, newcomers may find themselves overwhelmed with information.
The film portrays Stewart's life as a series of achievements, aiming to highlight his greatness. While Stewart was indeed a remarkable actor, films like "Jimmy" primarily serve to reinforce his legacy rather than depict his actual life.
KJ Apa, who plays Stewart, manages to capture the actor's mannerisms and speech patterns, but this feels more like a copy of Stewart's performances rather than a true portrayal. The backstage Hollywood gossip, such as Frank Capra (Max Casella) pitching a film about a magical Christmas suicide intervention, adds some humor to the film.
The period between Stewart's Academy Award win for "Philadelphia Story" and his service in World War II is also explored, with amusing details like Capra pitching a movie about a magical Christmas suicide intervention while a giant "Liberty Studios" sign is in the background.
Stewart's Air Force career is the focus of the latter part of the film, turning his experience into a glossy drama with unrealistic death scenes and CGI air battles. The film's final scenes, such as Capra and Stewart sharing their last moment while the "Liberty Studios" sign is being dismantled, are well-executed, with Casella and McDonald delivering strong performances.
However, "Jimmy" ultimately fails to separate the man from his pictures, transforming Stewart's difficult years into melodramatic Hollywood cinema. The film's attempt to glamorize his life ultimately overshadows any attempt to genuinely understand his life and character.
Written by urgent.news from TheWrap's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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