Critics Divided Over "Jimmy," the James Stewart Biopic Starring KJ Apa
Early reviews of "Jimmy," a biopic of the actor James Stewart, are split. Critics at Deadline and Variety have published notices in the past week, and they disagree on how well the film works.
The film stars KJ Apa, best known for his role in the television series "Riverdale." It was set for a November theatrical release, and Fathom Entertainment is releasing it. Aaron Burns directs. Justin Strawhand wrote the script, according to the film's official website.
The story follows Stewart's rise in Hollywood and his years in World War II. It shows his decision to enlist and serve as a combat pilot and commander in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Stewart, a Pennsylvania native, won an Academy Award for "The Philadelphia Story."
Deadline calls the film a cut above the average movie-star biopic, and says Apa expertly channels Stewart. The Hollywood Reporter takes a harder line, with a headline arguing that Apa cannot save a plodding biopic.
Variety's reviewer is more mixed. The film, the review says, is a cornball biopic that gets the manner of its subject but not the man. Apa's performance is described as a passable Stewart impression in a one-note film. The review also says the film spends more time on Stewart's military service than on his artistry, and that it presents him in a glowingly conservative light, with emphasis on his Presbyterian background.
Stewart's daughter has already seen Apa at work. Speaking earlier this autumn, she praised his performance and described seeing him in character as Stewart as "eerie" to experience firsthand, according to Variety.
Variety also noted the background of the director. Burns's previous two features were both produced by the streaming arm of Christian studio Affirm Films.
For audiences, the reviews point to a clear choice. Viewers who want a detailed account of Stewart's war years may find the film's focus suits them. Those looking for a fuller portrait of the actor's career may find the reviews less encouraging. The reviews also show that a film about a well-known figure can draw very different responses from the same weekend of critics.
