“Jojo Rabbit” is a controversial yet hilarious WWII comedy. It’s already been compared to Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” but I think “Jojo Rabbit” is even better. The film was directed by Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok”) and he also has a prominent onscreen role here. This is a man with a stylish comedic vision and he demonstrates that perfectly with this movie.

Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) is a naïve young boy in Nazi Germany that passionately supports the ruling party and its leader. He loves the Nazis so much that his imaginary friend is in the form of Adolf Hitler (Waititi). However, Jojo’s loyalties to the Nazi ideology are tested when he begins to fall for a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie “Leave No Trace”) hiding in his house.

The young Roman Griffin Davis is really good as the innocent Jojo, who just does not understand that the Nazis aren’t the good guys. Thomasin McKenzie is great as Elsa. The two have an interesting chemistry. Taika Waititi is brilliant as imaginary Hitler. He plays the role with his New Zealand accent. It’s even funnier if you know that Waititi is from a Jewish background. The interactions between Jojo and Hitler are great as the imaginary Hitler begins to change from gentle and playful to a closer reflection of the real man. Sam Rockwell (“Moon”), Scarlett Johansson (“Iron Man 2”), Stephen Merchant (“Logan”) and Rebel Wilson (“Bridesmaids”) are all really funny here.

“Jojo Rabbit” has some hilarious moments but it also has its more emotional moments and some powerful messages in it. Those that have already dismissed as insensitive and childish might be pleasantly surprised by what is on offer here. This is a touching film almost as much as it is a hysterical one. A lot of research apparently went into this movie and the homework has definitely paid off.