That forms the bedrock for the rest of the story and on which the full strength of Ellen Page’s much-praised performance builds. She may continue to talk like a smart aleck at times in front of the couple of potential yuppie parents and generate some big laughs with her timing of delivery but her eyes often simultaneously hint at a sense of insecurity underneath. And her facial expressions that widely range from younger to older are crucial in keeping her engaging and lovable, instead of merely arrogantly callow, as in lesser teen comedies.
Cody’s screenplay also finds its direction and purpose once she allows her characters to become believable and thus allow the quirks to be genuine and humorous. Under the direction of Jason Reitman, the film effortlessly paints perhaps the kindest and most supportive world for a pregnant teen like Juno to persist through the nine months, which the film closely follows. The environment is so supportive that one scene between Juno and Mac is able to share the rare but true insight that parents can give useful advice, even when a child asks for it without telling the real context. It is no coincidence that Mac calls out to Juno in this scene, “Hello, little puffy version of Junebug,” referencing another wonderful film in which Amy Adams played the most cheerfully upbeat pregnant woman around amidst a dysfunctional suburban family.
There is also the complicated story between Juno and Paulie (Michael Cera), the unlikely high school jock who got her pregnant (though it was her idea to sexually experiment with her best friend) and it is here the film finds the most emotional truth. Cody never makes the mistake of highlighting Paulie’s aloof demeanor as what many will see as too geeky or jock-like and remains true to how Juno feels about him, including a scene where she, as played by Page, is all too adorable when she says that she thinks he is the coolest person she has ever met. The series of dramatic character shifts that cause the two to ask about the concept of true love builds opportunities for every supporting actor to shine in unexpectedly emotional moments (all of which I will leave you to see for yourself).
Article comments
1 - Baritone
John,
I'm surprised no one has responded to your review. I like it.
Perhaps that's because I agree with your assessment of the film which my wife, younger son and I saw Christmas night.
I had the same response to the dialogue early and here and there later in the film. It was too self-consciously "teen-age hip," or whatever.
But we all warmed to the characters and the story as it progressed. It was, for the most part, a tour de force for Ms. Page. I do believe she was a bit too self-possessed for a 16 year old, but as you indicate, it was that shell of self-confidence which is stressed close to breaking when her notions about herself and others don't match reality.
As with most of the better indie films, it doesn't generally take the road most traveled. It leads you down some unexpected paths which is what sets such films apart from similar fare one might find on the tube.
In my mind I did predict that Bateman's character would do much as he did. I was pleased that Juno was not taken in. Her response to him, and her invitation to Garner's character was Juno's victory.
Baritone
2 - Erin Rose
Juno is the best movie I have ever seen. It was so funny but it had a great message. All of the actors are in such good character. Ellen Page is so funny she is such a natural actress. Michael Cera is really funny too. If you haven't seen it yet I strongly suggest you see it. Diablo Cody is an amazing writer. The lines are so original and hilarious.
I give this movie 5 out of 5. If I could give is more than 5 out of 5 I would. It was that amazingly great. Juno is my favourite movie EVER!
3 - tori
i LOVE this movie!