Film Bites

For anyone, high school is a time of change and self-discovery. That goes doubly for Juno MacGuff(Page) who gets pregnant by her boyfriend Paulie Bleeker(Cera). Juno, by nature is an independent girl. She also has an unique perspective on the world and an interesting way of expressing herself (“God, Banana! Shut your freakin’ gob!”). So when she learns of her pregnancy, she rolls with the punches (figuratively) and decides to ‘go ahead an nip this thing in the bud.’ After a very brief stint in an all too awkward women’s clinic, Juno decides to keep the baby and give it up for adoption.

Enter Mark(Bateman) and Vanessa Loring(Garner); the wholesome adoptive couple, whom Juno’s best friend, Leah(Thirlby) found in the PennySaver. Spearheading the journey to have the baby, Juno decides to give the child up even before telling her parents she’s expecting. After telling them, Mac(Simmons) and Bren(Janney) are understandably phased. Throughout the film, all of the characters develop and grow, culminating in the birth of the baby and the happiness of all.

After watching the film, twice, it is easy to see why Juno has already won 20 awards. The best movies are always the ones that take tough topics and present them in manageable formats. Children who are sexually active often don’t know the repercussions of their actions, and the film broaches the subject in an accessible way. No matter where your moral compass points, you’ll enjoy the lessons Juno brings. Think of it like an edgier, wittier and more intelligent Napoleon Dynamite.

My favorite part of the film was definitely the dialog. Writer Diablo Cody really hit the nail on the head with the hilarious catch phrases mixed with heart-wrenching drama. Stuff like: “That ain’t no etch-a-sketch. This is one doodle that can’t be un-did, homeskillet”; “Ow, ow, f*ckity-ow! Bren, when do I get that spinal tap thing?”; and “I named my guitar “Roosevelt”-not Ted, Franklin. You know, the hot one, with polio.” Not only was the dialog spot-on, but the casting was impeccable. Alison Janney is a favorite of mine and she performed flawlessly as Juno’s mom, Bren.

It seems everything about Juno is just right. It’s no wonder it’s already won 20 awards, and nominated for another 17. If you haven’t seen this movie, you’re missing out.