Jimmy

• Director: Aaron Burns
• Writer: Aaron Burns, Justin Strawhand
• Starring: KJ Apa, Max Casella, Kara Killmer, Jason Alexander, Jen Lilley

Grade: C-

It’s not often that a high profile film sets its world premiere in Indiana, but that was the case for Jimmy, a biopic of the late actor and military officer who inspired generations of audiences with his iconic performances. I was fortunate enough to attend the premiere screening, which was held at The Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis, kicking off the 35th edition of the Heartland Film Festival. In attendance were KJ Apa (who plays the titular role), director Aaron Burns, and several other members of the cast and crew. Making the experience particularly special was the presence of Jimmy’s daughter Kelly (who has an Executive Producer credit on the film) and Karolyn Grimes, who played young Zuzu Bailey in 1946’s It’s a Wonderful Life alongside Stewart, uttering the famous line “Everytime a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” While the spirit in the room was overwhelmingly celebratory, the film itself lacks the gravitas that would have been befitting of its larger than life subject.