One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

91. Jojo Rabbit (2019) Directed by Taika Waititi

The Movie: In the wanning days of World War II, Nazi Germany is on the verge of collapse. But that doesn’t stop a young German boy, Johannes “Jojo” Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) from joining the Deutsches Jungvolk, more commonly known as the junior Hitler’s Youth. Jojo loves Hitler and Germany. In fact, he loves Hitler so much that he has his own imaginary Hitler (Taika Waititi). Jojo also has a friend named Yorki (Archie Yates) who is as a precocious youth as well. Jojo goes to a training camp, where he meets Captain Klenzendorf (Sam Rockwell). Jojo earns the nickname “Jojo Rabbit” after he refuses to kill a rabbit and is bullied for it.

Hitler attempts to encourage Jojo, which leads him to run through the other youths and throw a grenade. This ends horribly as the grenade bounces back to him, blowing up at his feet. This leaves Jojo injured. Jojo’s mother, Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) pleads with Klenzendorf to let Jojo stay and give him jobs he can complete. Klezendorf relents and Jojo is now tasked with delivering propaganda.

Back at home, Jojo is shocked to discover one day that his mother has hidden a young Jewish girl named Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in his late sister’s bedroom cupboard. At first, Jojo is scared of the young girl, but he decides that he is going to learn her “Jew secrets” and make a book called “Yoohoo Jew”.

Despite what he thinks he knows about Elsa, he forms a friendship with her. Jojo soon falls in love with Elsa, and writes phony letters from her fiancé Nathan. This leads Jojo to questions his belief’s which does not sit well with “Adolf”.

Rosie is revealed to be part of the anti-Nazism movement which leads the Gestapo lead by Captain Deertz (Stephen Merchant) to pay a visit to her house. Captain Deertz confronts Jojo and Elsa about their loyalty to the Nazi’s and Hitler. Jojo and Elsa are helped by Captain Klenzendorf to hide Elsa’s identity.

After sometime, Jojo is walking through the town square, where he finds his mother has been executed. Enraged, Jojo returns home and attacks Elsa. Jojo breaks down in tears and is comforted by Elsa who reveals not only has his mother helped fight against the Nazi’s but so too has his missing father. Jojo and Elsa learn to survive by helping each other.

Hitler commits suicide and the city of Falkenheim must help the German cause which includes the children. Jojo runs into Yorki and the two embrace. They go their separate ways and soon the Allies have victory over the Nazis.

Because Jojo is a Hitler Youth he is seized by the Russians. Captain Klenzendorf, tears off Jojo’s jacket and starts screaming at him that he is a Jew. This leads the Russians to push Jojo away, grab Klensendorf and execute him.

Jojo runs home and lies to Elsa. He tells her that the Nazi’s have won the war. Jojo forges one last letter from Nathan and tells Elsa they can escape to Paris. Elsa tells Jojo that Nathan died of a disease the year prior. Jojo confesses his love for Elsa, Elsa says she loves him too, but as a brother. Jojo also frees himself from Hitler by kicking him out of the window.

Elsa and Jojo go outside and she realizes that Jojo lied to her when she sees American soldiers. She slaps Jojo. Elsa takes a beat and starts to dance. So too does Jojo.

Why I Love Jojo Rabbit (2019): A funny, emotional film that examines how we make friendships, follow leaders blindly and the innocence of children. Poking fun at the real atrocities of Hitler and the Nazi regime is a dangerous line to walk. But in the hands of a skilled filmmaker like Taika Waititi it works. What is equally brilliant is his portrayal is funny but also terrifying when it needs to be.

Of course the burden of the film rests on the young and able shoulders of Roman Griffin Davis. Who is marvelous. When he speaks of his love of Hitler and his hate of the Jewish people it is heartbreaking. His innocence is conveyed through smart writing and brilliant acting that showcases his vulnerability in each of his scenes. Thomasin McKenzie is equally amazing as her teasing of what Jojo believes are facts about the Jewish people is scary and funny all at the time. And the quiet MVP of the whole picture is Scarlett Johansson. As a mother trying to protect her son and fight against the Nazi’s is a subtle moving performance. I cried like a baby when it was revealed only by her shoes that she has been executed.

Jojo Rabbit also mirrors what’s happening in the real world today as well adding to its brilliance. Blindly following a leader without facts or the truth will only leave you hurt and confused. As Jojo navigates the final third of the film, realizing everything he believed was a lie is relatable to almost everyone.

Smart writing, great direction and a talented cast make Jojo Rabbit an absolute winner.