Juno
The runaway surprise hit from last year Juno is an indie film which achieved that rare quality of crossing over to mainstream popularity. The debut of writer Diablo Cody it tells the story of the titular Juno, a smart-alec, wisecracking teenager who discovers one day she is pregnant. Rather than freak like most people would she is pragmatic about the situation and sets off to find a suitable set of adoptive parents for the child. It is during this search she finds the Loring’s, a seemingly typical suburban family played with great subtlety by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman. Of course alongside this Juno has to deal with the fact of being pregnant, telling her family and, of course, sorting out how she feels about the father, another great turn from Superbad’s Michael Cera as Juno’s on/off endearingly geeky boyfriend.
With its own distinct rhythms and offbeat sensibilities Juno is a film that stands out immediately, though in fact its opening 10 minutes are so feel rather forced, the distinctive dialogue trying too hard, thankfully this doesn’t last and it quickly settles into its skin as an entertaining, very funny and yet also heartfelt drama. The performances are excellent throughout, Ellen Page was born to play Juno, her attitude is priceless and yet the character never comes across as a caricature, or as unlikeable. The direction the story takes is unexpected as well and the film manages to be surprising yet believable throughout, its characters flawed yet human. There is a small scene later on in the film between Ellen Page and Jennifer Garner in a shopping centre that is wonderfully touching and acted, yet restrained. In fact despite the vibrant nature of the main character Juno is a small and understated film and is all the better for it. Its quirky soundtrack is a perfect fit, each of the songs distinctive and evocative, they help rather than hinder the on-screen action.
Overall Juno comes highly recommended, for those with a slightly alternative view of the world, or on the lookout for something different this could be right up your street. Never quirky just for the sake of it this feels like a genuine extension of one person’s worldview and that the case and director have gone along with it makes the film stand out. Aside the from the awkward opening this remains a confident and assured film that will keep you laughing and smiling long after the credits have rolled.
Ellen Page excels in this indie comedy with heart. It’s easy to see why Juno became such a success, if you haven’t seen it yet then give it a go, you just might fall in love.
The runaway surprise hit from last year Juno is an indie film which achieved that rare quality of crossing over to mainstream popularity. The debut of writer Diablo Cody it tells the story of the titular Juno, a smart-alec, wisecracking teenager who discovers one day she is pregnant. Rather than freak like most people would she is pragmatic about the situation and sets off to find a suitable set of adoptive parents for the child. It is during this search she finds the Loring’s, a seemingly typical suburban family played with great subtlety by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman. Of course alongside this Juno has to deal with the fact of being pregnant, telling her family and, of course, sorting out how she feels about the father, another great turn from Superbad’s Michael Cera as Juno’s on/off endearingly geeky boyfriend.
With its own distinct rhythms and offbeat sensibilities Juno is a film that stands out immediately, though in fact its opening 10 minutes are so feel rather forced, the distinctive dialogue trying too hard, thankfully this doesn’t last and it quickly settles into its skin as an entertaining, very funny and yet also heartfelt drama. The performances are excellent throughout, Ellen Page was born to play Juno, her attitude is priceless and yet the character never comes across as a caricature, or as unlikeable. The direction the story takes is unexpected as well and the film manages to be surprising yet believable throughout, its characters flawed yet human. There is a small scene later on in the film between Ellen Page and Jennifer Garner in a shopping centre that is wonderfully touching and acted, yet restrained. In fact despite the vibrant nature of the main character Juno is a small and understated film and is all the better for it. Its quirky soundtrack is a perfect fit, each of the songs distinctive and evocative, they help rather than hinder the on-screen action.
Overall Juno comes highly recommended, for those with a slightly alternative view of the world, or on the lookout for something different this could be right up your street. Never quirky just for the sake of it this feels like a genuine extension of one person’s worldview and that the case and director have gone along with it makes the film stand out. Aside the from the awkward opening this remains a confident and assured film that will keep you laughing and smiling long after the credits have rolled.
Ellen Page excels in this indie comedy with heart. It’s easy to see why Juno became such a success, if you haven’t seen it yet then give it a go, you just might fall in love. 
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