James “Jimmy” Stewart left an impressive on me well before I knew anything about him. As a kid, I had the good fortune of growing up in a household that loved and appreciated movies. I had parents who frequently carried me with them to theaters. We had a backyard satellite dish that had most of the movie channels. We were often in front of the TV for the networks’ Movie of the Week. And our weekend trips to the video rental store opened up even more for the movie-loving young me.

Somewhere in there I was introduced to Jimmy Stewart through his perennial Christmas favorite “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Though I knew nothing about him beyond his name, I remember being captivated by him on screen. It was the ease with which he brought personality and humanity to George Bailey. It was his effortless wit and infectious charm. But it was also his raw vulnerability that grounded his character. At the time I couldn’t put it into words, but I knew I liked Jimmy Stewart. And that was before I knew of the ‘wonderful life’ he had beyond the big screen.

The simple but aptly titled “Jimmy” is a new biographical drama that offers one compelling slice of Stewart’s extraordinary life. Director Aaron Burns and screenwriter Justin Strawhand hone in on Stewart’s military service which came near the high point of his movie career. It turned the beloved star known for his everyman appeal into a full-blown American icon. But as with many of his fellow soldiers, it also came at an emotional cost.

**Image Courtesy of Fathom Entertainment**

New Zealander KJ Apa takes on the role of Jimmy Stewart, offering us more than a simple impersonation. He may not look like him, but Apa gets Stewart’s uniquely recognizable vocal pitch and register to near perfection. But he also nails Stewart’s demeanor, his posture, and his mannerisms. That’s more than enough to sell us of what we’re seeing. Burns’ sure-handed direction and Strawhand’s focused script does the rest, keeping the audience centered on a chapter of a life rather than trying to cover a whole book.

The story kicks off in 1941 with Jimmy Stewart winning the Best Actor Oscar for “The Philadelphia Story”. It’s a significant yet uncomfortable moment for the reserved and self-effacing actor. So rather than bask in the glory, Jimmy heads back home to Indiana, Pennsylvania, where he props his Oscar in the window of his father’s hardware store. He also informs his folks that he has received a draft letter. His ex-military father doesn’t believe he’s cut out for it, and the studio heads want to use their pull to get him out of it.

But Jimmy sticks with his convictions, leaving the comforts of Hollywood for the battle-torn skies of Europe. He’s assigned to the Army Air Force’s 703rd Bomb Squadron where he quickly climbed the ranks to squad leader. But even there he found himself facing adversity, with everyone from commanders to fellow aviators using his celebrity against him. But we watch as Jimmy earns their respect where it matters most.

History tells us that Stewart flew a total of twenty missions over the North Atlantic and Europe. “Jimmy” puts us in the B-24 with him and his crew as they carry out dangerous bombings of Nazi factories, supply lines, and airfields. While there are some instances of spotty CGI, the action sequences are quite often harrowing. And they do their job of immersing us in the combat. But we also witness the war’s emotional toll on Jimmy, such as losing soldiers under his command. And having to write letters to the families of those killed in action.

The story of Stewart’s military service is bookended by scenes with Jimmy being urged by his close friend and director Frank Capra (played by Max Casella) to join him in making “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The eventual Christmas classic was an important movie for Stewart. Coming out of the war, he was struggling with anxiety and nightmares brought on by PTSD. Working on the film was therapeutic and gave him a much needed outlet to channel his own pain. Burns deftly captures it by taking us onto Capra’s set where he delivers the film’s most moving scenes.

“Jimmy” embraces several biopic clichés and there’s no denying the affection the filmmakers have for their subject. At the same time, the choice to narrow its focus works well with KJ Apa’s full-bodied performance to give us a good sense of who Jimmy Stewart was beyond the Hollywood spotlight. Even specific filmmaking choices cleverly hearken back to the cinema style of the 1940s. It altogether works to make “Jimmy” a worthwhile biopic and an unexpected surprise.