Review of Juno

by: Laura Deig and Lynn Beavin

If you haven't heard the hype about Juno, I'm not sure where you've been. This indie-film turned Hollywood blockbuster is nominated for a range of awards. The film portrays the fast-paced sarcastic wit of today's society while also offering sincerity to the subject matter. Juno, a 16 year old high school student, finds herself pregnant, and the story follows her decisions (yes, that's plural) about what to do with her predicament.

Diablo Cody is a first-time screenwriter; however, her blogging experience turned out to be excellent practice for Juno's witty dialogue and cultural references. The movie is rated PG-13 for its sexual situations and occasional language, however nothing is obscene or excessive in sexual nature. In fact, the only "offensive material" in Juno may be the fact that the characters and their humor truly encompass today's culture, so conservative people or older generations may be inadvertently offended if they're not used to the tone of the wit and humor found in Juno.

Ellen Page believably portrays Juno's idiosyncrasies, which makes you fall into the story. The movie's characters, quotes, and music are all memorably unique. One of my favorite things about the movie is the fact that the characters and the dialogue was funny yet subtle, as if you were following a normal teenager around for 9 months, as opposed to the usual movies that stick in obvious laugh lines and over-bearing plot twists. For me, what made Juno so special was the fact that she seemed so normal; nothing was overdone. It's kind of ironic that the thing that makes a movie stand out in today's society is the subtlety and normalcy of it.

Lynn adds:

Juno's Dad: And, this, of course, is Juno. Jason Bateman: Like the town in Alaska? Ellen Page: No.

The scene in which Juno explains her name always sticks in my head: Her father went through a mythology phase and named her Juno. Juno like Zeus' wife, Juno. All of the characters in this movie have such interesting and intricate backgrounds and qualities. In a nutshell, this movie's characterization is awesome. And, all of the movie's actors completely live up to their roles and truly bring them to life. The entire cast is excellent; everyone is impossibly real, and yet you're interested. This movie is all about the people in it. Michael Cera is a really sweet balance to Juno's craziness. Juno's dad, J.K. Simmons, is so solid and real and full of dad humor: "[to Juno maybe a month before her due date] Hey there, big puffy version of Junebug!" And, Juno's step-mom, who loves dogs and is played by Allison Janney, is hilarious. Juno, herself, is particularly fabulous, though. Ellen Page really makes this movie what it is. And, I, for one, am inspired; Juno is intelligent and strong, and strong, intelligent teenage female leads are beyond rare in movies.

I've been batting quotes from Juno back and forth with friends and fellow-viewers for weeks, now. This film has brilliant dialogue. All characters are smart and well-versed in pop culture. You will be fascinated by what they have to say.

This movie is absolutely loveable! Go see it!