Unexpected, too, are some real zingers interlaced throughout, such as what Allison Janney says about doctors when Juno needs a painkiller. It is no wonder director Jason Reitman, who previously wrote and directed the shockingly witty Thank You for Smoking, decided to direct this screenplay for his second effort. And he and Cody wisely make their sudden one-liners sparse and pace them well in between the quieter comic pauses as when Mark mistakes Juno’s name to be “like the city in Alaska.”
No doubt some, like me, may feel the urge to ask the characters to talk more normal, until we see these oddball characters made so fresh, individual and lovable. And people will find the movie growing inside their minds and hearts as much as Juno and her baby do throughout this movie. It is only later we appreciate that Juno has pulled off no small feat in tackling the subject of teenage pregnancy in every life-affirming way possible.
Bottom line: Pretty close to brilliance.
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!