James Stewart won the Oscar for The Philadelphia Story, then enlisted and became a combat pilot in the Second World War, flying 20 missions over Europe and rising to colonel. He came home broken. Then It’s a Wonderful Life came calling.
Jimmy, directed by Aaron Burns with KJ Apa as Stewart, opens in US cinemas this Friday through Fathom Entertainment.
It is a love letter to Jimmy Stewart, and it reads like one.
Movie at a Glance
- US release: In cinemas from Friday 6 November 2026 (Fathom Entertainment)
- UK release: No UK release date confirmed at the time of writing
- Director: Aaron Burns
- Starring: KJ Apa, Max Casella, Neal McDonough and Kara Killmer
- Rating: PG-13 (US)
- Runtime: 120 minutes
- Genre: Biographical drama
Viewer Match
- Best for: Classic Hollywood fans and anyone who loves It’s a Wonderful Life.
- Maybe skip if: You prefer biopics with an edge.
- Mood and pace: Nostalgic, respectful and steady.
- Cinema or streaming? Cinema for fans; streaming is fine.
- Spoiler level: Spoiler-free.
The War Years
The film is strongest in its war section, which gives a real sense of what Stewart faced in the air and what it cost him. Those scenes have weight.
KJ Apa does not quite disappear into the role, but he catches the decency and quiet steel.
Too Reverent
The script treats its subject with great respect, which leaves little room for complexity. Max Casella’s Frank Capra and Neal McDonough as Stewart’s father add colour.
It is a pleasant film rather than a revealing one.
Where It Fits
For another making-of story, read our I Play Rocky preview. For this week’s films, see this week’s Weekly Cinema Pack, and for tonight, see What to Watch Tonight.
Spoiler-Free Verdict
Jimmy is a heartfelt, handsomely made tribute with a strong wartime section, but it is too reverent to tell us much new about James Stewart.
- Performances: 6.5/10
- Direction: 6/10
- Screenplay: 6/10
- Score: 6.5/10
- Cinematography: 6.5/10
- Entertainment Value: 6/10
- Overall score: 6/10
Star rating: 3/5
Verdict badge: Best watched in the Cinema
One-line verdict: A respectful tribute that plays it safe.
Watch the Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer.
What is your favourite James Stewart film? Tell us.