Juno (***)

Directed by: Jason Reitman (Thank You for Smoking)
Starring: Ellen Paige, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman
Seen: March 15th 2008

*** Out of ****

One of the quirkiest films with the smartest, quickest dialog I have seen in quite some time, Juno also boasts a soundtrack that will make you sing along with every song, and some even stick in your head after you’ve left the cinema. This is one indie film that can be enjoyed by just about anyone, no matter what drive of life you originate from.

Quite obviously, the movie is about Juno (Page), a 16 year old high school student faced with an unexpected pregnancy. Bravely she changes her mind about abortion after a co-student tells her that the fetus has probably already grown fingernails just outside the abortion clinic. So she finds adoptive parents for the baby for when she gives birth, in a Penny Saver personal add. Mark and Vanessa Loring (Bateman and Garner) are desperate for a child, and the meetings between the couple and Juno are at first quite awkward, and eventually everyone opens up to each other, but all through the “negotiations” the conversations remain highly interesting.

Mark and Vanessa are quite happy with the idea of an open adoption, but Juno wants to sever all ties once she gives up the baby. Her dad and stepmother also help her through the process with the Lorings’ attorney. Through the pregnancy Juno starts seeing the true nature of her small and seemingly dysfunctional family, appreciating her father’s input and support while her stepmother is not the usual clichéd evil stepmom, but actually a lovable person. The Lorings, on the other hand, initially seem absolutely perfect, but small cracks become apparent in their relationship as the story progresses.

Juno manages to stay spirited and interesting through dealing with all these different aspects of a life that a 16-year old is not supposed to experience. She remains incredibly down to earth and never wavers in her beliefs and opinions. The love story between Juno and Paulie Bleeker (Cera) is sweetly presented, Cera playing an absolute goof who tries really hard to be cool every second of every day. Juno thinks he is the coolest person she knows, which to him is a massive surprise.

Walking out of the cinema I was humming the last song under my breath, and I couldn’t keep a mile-wide smile from my face, same as everyone else. Great fun and high entertainment value, even with the occasional crass moments that make you wonder if that was what they actually said or not. This is a great laugh all the way through, and I can definitely recommend it for its genuine feeling of honesty.