STAFF WRITER
Teen pregnancy is a serious issue. But if handled the right way, it makes for an intelligently witty film.
“Juno” is one of my favorite films of the year hands down. I’ve watched it three times and will probably watch it again within the next few weeks. This offbeat and slightly dark-humored comedy is sure to capture the hearts of audiences everywhere.
Ellen Page, who plays the street-wise and sarcastic Juno MacGuff, is definitely an actor on the rise. She starred in the drama “An American Crime” which premiered at Sundance in January. After seeing her in both films, it’s clear Page is diverse in her acting skills.
Unlike the other unplanned pregnancy movie of the year, “Knocked Up,” “Juno” is surprisingly tame — and I like it better than “Knocked Up.” There is little vulgarity and a sweet, subtle message about growing up. Rookie writer Diablo Cody delivered a fresh script that could only be delivered by Page and her co-star Michael Cera (of “Superbad” fame).
From the dialogue to the acting and everything in between, “Juno” is spot on. It’s a sneaky film that will surprise most audiences who know nothing of its plotline.
Director Jason Reitman’s previous successful film “Thank You for Smoking” was also the type of film that many did not expect. These are the movies that are released near the year’s end just in time for the awards season. Although “Thank You for Smoking” didn’t garner any Academy Award nominations, I hope “Juno” will.
Quirky Juno MacGuff is a smart-talking, wise-cracking 16-year-old, who happens to be pregnant by her best friend Paulie Bleeker (Cera). After considering her options, she decides she can’t go through with an abortion, but that adoption would be her best option. While looking through the Penny-Saver with friend Leah (Olivia Thirlby), she finds Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) and Mark (Jason Bateman) Loring. They are a beautiful young couple seeking the perfect addition to their family.
Juno and her dad Mac (J.K. Simmons) set off to meet the Lorings and she decides she wants to give the baby to them. As the months go on, her belly continues to expand, which draws strange looks from people at school and in the community. She begins a unique friendship with Mark based on their similar interests: horror movies and rock music. But when Juno realizes it’s her relationship with Bleeker she should be working on, her plan begins to falter.
The first half of “Juno” is filled with smart comments I never would have thought of. But during the second half of the film, Juno’s weaknesses are exposed and she must fight for what she loves, all the while being witty about it.
Teenage pregnancy seems to make people uncomfortable but “Juno” is able to make you laugh along with the actors and enjoy a wonderful film.
missy@tooeletranscript.com