Film Review

Juno

A high school girl who gets pregnant and decides to keep her baby doesn't sound like the stuff of a terrific film, much less a comedy. But in Jason Reitman's hands, Ellen Page, who plays Juno, the 16 year old heroine, gives us a witty, quirky, wise (for a teenager), and very funny character who seems so real. This is a comedy with much insight and irony, from a woman's standpoint; Juno's story. Juno thinks she is infinitely sophisticated, and of course, smarter than any of the adults. Her one liner's are always funny, sometimes raunchy, and yet often poignant. She calls herself the "cautionary whale" as her belly grows.. Her nebbishy boyfriend Paulie, played by Michael Cera, is stunned and paralyzed by the revelation that she is pregnant. Juno decides to have an abortion, but a funny thing (in fact, many) happens at the clinic, starting from when she meets a schoolmate picketing the clinic. She decides to keep the baby, and begins to look for someone who wants to adopt. And she finds the perfect, gorgeous, upwardly mobile yuppie suburban couple. They, like most of the characters, are more complex and surprising than she assumed. Her parents also turn out to be far more supportive and wise than expected. In fact, all of the characters are revealed as more interesting and surprising than anyone imagines. We love Juno almost immediately, and somehow know she will always do the right thing, although often with twists and turns. There are many surprises here, and some of the best dialog I have ever heard in a comedy. None are name actors, but all are sensational here, with the 20 year old Ellen Page sure to be an Academy nominee. Juno is beautifully written with superb editing. It is one of those rare films that can be seen by parents and their teenage children. I admit to being prejudiced against comedies, but this film made my heart sing. An immensely satisfying, entertaining film that does not condescend to the audience in any way. I loved it! Playing at the Kabuki. Don't miss it. And here's to a good New Year, filled with more wonderful films.

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