KJ Apa’s Very Good Stewart Impression Can’t Rescue Jimmy’s Pandering Biopic | Review
A star faces the draft
The story begins in 1941, after Stewart wins the Academy Award for Best Actor for The Philadelphia Story. MGM chief Louis B. Mayer has plans for his star, but Stewart receives a draft notice and wants to serve.
Mayer tries to use his influence to prevent Stewart from going. When Hedda Hopper learns of the effort, she portrays him as a draft dodger. The film also shows Stewart troubled by the prospect of disappointing his Midwestern veteran father.
Service and the film’s focus
Stewart insists on joining the United States Army Air Forces. Rather than make propaganda films with his friend Frank Capra, he serves as an officer in the 703d Bomb Squadron and flies missions over Europe.
Much of the film follows this period. Its final act turns to the making of It’s a Wonderful Life after Stewart returns from the war psychologically wounded. The combat scenes are among the film’s strongest passages.
Impression over depth
Apa captures aspects of Stewart’s distinctive voice and mannerisms, but the review describes the result as an impression rather than a fully developed performance. The film often presents scenes mainly to move the plot forward or offer simple character details.
Stewart’s screen persona and its influence on his relationship with his men could have offered richer ideas. Instead, the film skims over its subjects and leans on familiar biopic conventions and nostalgia, weakening the drama.
A targeted nostalgia play
Jimmy appears aimed at older viewers who may value a family-friendly story, reverent references to God and reminders of Stewart’s films. The review argues that this audience focus is not inherently a flaw, but questions whether the film offers enough beyond those appeals.
An opening reference to It’s a Wonderful Life sets a sentimental tone. The film alternates between promising drama and scenes the review finds overly sweet and superficial, making its stronger moments difficult to enjoy without the weaker ones.
Key points
- KJ Apa recreates elements of Jimmy Stewart’s voice and mannerisms.
- The story follows Stewart’s service as a combat pilot during the Second World War.
- Aerial combat scenes provide some of the film’s strongest drama.
- The review finds the biopic too superficial and reliant on nostalgia.