Juno
Juno is one of the most talked and buzzed films of the year as it has been nominated for various awards including Best Picture at the Independent Sprit Awards and the Golden Globes for Best Musical or Comedy. This is the follow up film from Direct Jason Reitman whose debut film, Thank You for Not Smoking received a lot of critical praise from critics all alike. Juno is about a teenage girl (Ellen Page (X-Men: The Last Stand, Hard Candy) who get pregnant after having a one night stand with her best friend (Michael Cerra (Superbad, Arrested Development)). She doesn't know what to do until one of her friends gives her the idea to look for any parents that are willing to adopt her child. Soon, she finds a couple (Jason Bateman (The Kingdom, Arrested Development), Jennifer Gardner (The Kingdom, Electra)) living in the suburbs that really a child so bad. With that almost out of the way, she begins to have mixed emotions about her decision about the baby and where she stands in her life. The films also co-stars J.K Simmons Spiderman 3, Thank You for Not Smoking), Alison Janney (The West Wing), and Raine Wilson (NBC's The Office).
Juno does live up all of the hype that was surrounded with critics and awards. I have to personally praise, Jason Reitman for doing another independent type film like this, as he really could have done a studio type comedy after Thank You for Not Smoking, since he is the son of Ivan Reitman. It nice to see that he is not trying to be like his father, by finding hollywoodish type material for his projects. He does a great job directing this film, as his shots were very good and manages to get great performances with his actors especially with the actors that were used to playing different roles. Also I liked how he incorporated the opening sequence of the film to the style that was used in Waking Life, as it was different way to open a film but effective nonetheless.The screenplay was written, by first-time writer Diablo Cody who has a very interesting story herself, as how she came to have her screenplay produced. Her Screenplay was great. I liked how that the story and the ending of the film didn't feel like your run-of-the-mill hollywoodish film. It does a great job focusing on various issues in a serious way and not in an over the top manner like teenage life, pregnancy, and fears of insecurity to name a few. Also, she does a good job in telling the story through the main character's narration, as it gives the audience gets insight into the main character.
Don't be surprised to see some acting nominations to come out of this film, as there were some very good performances here. Ellen Page was perfect for this role. This is best female performance of the year, as she really sells her character. She is believable, as this teenage girl who's going through a tough period in her life. Her performance didn't feel unrealistic or over the top. This film maybe her big breakout role. This film also has some very good supporting performances. I think after all the flack the Jennifer Gardner took for Catch and Release and Electra. She honestly turns in great performance as the young wife that desperately wants a child. She makes her character so likable her and she and Ellen Page had good chemistry with each other. It was also was very nice to see J.K. Simmons in a completely different role for once, as he usually plays these slime ball type characters like in Thank You for Smoking, the Spiderman movies and OZ. His performance as Page's father in the film was genuine and is Oscar worthy for supporting actor. He makes character more father like and his chemistry with Page's character is great. Also, Jason Bateman, Allison Janey, and Michael Cerra were also very good here.
I expected to see this film receive major nominations, during Oscar season. Juno is truly this year's Little Miss Sunshine.
5 Stars
Rated PG-13
94 Mins
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