Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.hollywoodreporter.com
Reflecting its subject himself, an aura of decency permeates the new drama depicting the wartime years of actor Jimmy Stewart’s life. That Stewart’s daughter serves as executive producer provides a clue that Jimmy will be a loving tribute rather than a warts-and-all biopic. And since the previous credits of director Aaron Burns and screenwriter Justin Strawhand include the faith-based drama Birthright Outlaw, it’s not surprising that the film places strong emphases on faith and military patriotism.
But those aspects are not the real problems with the film, which simply doesn’t prove compelling despite a top-notch performance from KJ Apa (Riverdale, I Still Believe) as Stewart and a moving depiction of the post-traumatic stress the actor suffered after wartime experiences that fueled his agonized performance in It’s a Wonderful Life. Feeling much longer than its two hours, it has a plodding, episodic quality that makes it play as more dutiful than inspired.
Jimmy
The Bottom Line
Heartfelt to a fault.
Release date: Friday, November 6
Cast: KJ Apa, Max Casella, Kara Killmer, Julian Works, Sarah Drew, Rob Riggle, Christopher McDonald, Jen Lilley, Jemma Donovan, Karolyn Grimes, Neal McDonough, Jason Alexander
Director: Aaron Burns
Screenwriter: Justin Strawhand
Rated PG-13,
2 hour 0 minutes
Bookended by scenes involving that 1946 Frank Capra classic, the story essentially begins in 1941 with Stewart at the top of his Hollywood game after winning the Oscar for the previous year’s The Philadelphia Story and enjoying romances with such stars as Ginger Rogers (Jemma Donovan).
His life changes drastically when he gets drafted for the military. Although eager to serve and follow in the footsteps of his military veteran father (Neal McDonough), he lets himself be convinced by MGM boss Louis B. Mayer (Jason Alexander) to let the studio get him out of it. When he’s described as cowardly in print by the ever-hovering gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (Sarah Drew, Grey’s Anatomy), Stewart follows his instincts and enlists. The military mainly wants him for propaganda purposes, but Stewart, an experienced pilot, is determined to serve and, after being sent to England, manages to convince Col. Terrill (a nicely underplaying Rob Riggle) to let him fly B-24 bombers. During his distinguished deployment he flew 20 combat missions, received numerous decorations, and rose to the rank of colonel.
But his wartime service comes at an emotional price as Stewart becomes tormented by the loss of many of the men under his command and must tackle the duty of writing condolence letters to their families. For solace, he turns to the British Lady Julia (Kara Killmer), a character who serves as a composite for the various women with whom Stewart had romantic relationships before his marriage. (And if reports are to be believed about the actor known as “The Great American Bachelor,” any composite has a lot to live up to.)
Hampered by the low budget, the film’s war sequences don’t prove arresting. Jimmy becomes much more interesting when Stewart returns home after the war and is offered the role of George Bailey by frequent collaborator and fellow military veteran Frank Capra (an excellent Max Casella). He’s initially consumed by insecurity and doubts about his ability to play the role, but encouraged by the director and co-star Lionel Barrymore (Christopher McDonald), he eventually manages to channel his trauma into his now-iconic performance.
The best aspect of the film is the lead performance by Apa, who doesn’t resemble Stewart all that much but conveys his essence and aw-shucks appeal with body language and perfect vocal imitation. Never lapsing into mere mimicry, he delivers a soulful turn that fully draws us into the character — although he can’t compete with the five minutes of real-life footage of Stewart that accompanies the end credits, vividly reminding us of his enduring appeal.
