Fox Searchlight, Mandate Pictures and Mr. Mudd Productions present a PG-13 comedy/drama film directed by Jason Reitman, written by Diablo Cody and starring Ellen Page (Juno MacGuff), Michael Cera (Paulie Bleeker), Jennifer Garner (Vanessa Loring), Jason Bateman (Mark Loring), Allison Janney (Bren MacGuff), J.K. Simmons (Mac MacGuff), Olivia Thirlby (Leah) with Eileen Pedde (Gerta Rauss), Rainn Wilson (Rollo), Daniel Clark (Steve Rendazo), Darla Vandenbossche (Bleeker's Mom), Arman Johal (Vijay), Valerie Tian (Su-Chin), Emily Perkins (Punk Receptionist) and Kaaren de Zilva (Ultrasound Technician).
A brilliant film with a believable story line at 92 minutes. I could only think that many women would wish their pregnancies were over so quick. Then again, maybe not, since then they would not get to enjoy the nine months of a life growing within their womb. Ok, I'm sure there are many not so great moments like the sore feet, aching back, vomiting and nausea and let alone the fact that you think you look fat and your clothes don't fit. In reality it is a sad fact that many teenage girls like "Juno" get pregnant and this film although laced with a well written comedic twist does not suggest that it is the right thing to do. Woman are truly beautiful when pregnant, much to their disbelief at times but with it comes a life time of responsibility. At the age of 16, mature decisions are to be made and thankfully this film covers them.
A young girl, Juno, superbly played by Ellen Page, not sure of even who she is and the place in which she fits in society let alone high school one day decides to have unprotected sex with Bleeker, a "Superbad" geek track athlete with a quiet and nerdy disposition. Not too long after the little pink plus sign appears and bang Juno discovers she is pregnant. She informs her best friend Leah, a cute cheerleader, Bleeker the mighty spermanator and eventually her father and step-mom. When faced with a visit to the Women Now clinic as a choice to have an abortion she soon changes her mind and decides to adopt the baby out to a deserving and loving couple, Vanessa and Mark, who she finds in a local Penny Saver ad next to exotic birds.
Mac takes Juno to visit the potential new parents of her unborn child to make arrangements. Even though Vanessa and Mark appear happy, wealthy and content, underlying maybe not so! Seasons change, Juno gets bigger, stays in school, becomes the spectacle of her classmates, the envy of Vanessa and the musical focus of Mark. Bleeker and Juno encounter some bumps in the road but in high school at the age of 16 and pregnant these bumps could become a bit of a crater for many. Thankfully, she has made wise choices and has the support of family and friends.
Many questions come into play in this film that involve choices that are skillfully acted out by all the main characters. Divorce, relationships, birth, abortion, love, jealousy, friendship, loss, reward, acceptance, family, all play a part in life and making daily decisions that will forever decide ones future. Can two people stay together forever? Can one person raise a child alone? In this mixed up world can you really find the person who truly loves you for you. This well scored, well written and directed, beautifully acted story especially by Page, Garner and Bateman is a little preachy at times but done with a comedic flair to make it worthy of your viewing.
"Doctors are sadist who like to play God and watch the lesser people scream" the reason Bren gives Juno while in labor. But in the end, it is all worth it as the writing says Vanessa still in, Juno in. Come summer, as for Juno and Bleeker, let the music play on.
A tough subject matter that is dealt with magnificently. Page is triumphant, Cera not a far cry from his last blockbuster, Garner a gem, Bateman, once again teamed up with Garner since "The Kingdom", superb, Simmons and Janney, both enjoyable to the support of this stories plot. Juno, not like the city in Alaska, is sure to be a big hit among the audience that will take the time to see it of which I hope will be many.
Reporting for Talkin' Pets, I'm Jon Patch.