Juno

It has been a while since I have posted a movie review, so please enjoy.

My wife and I saw the movie Juno this evening. It is a terrific movie--deftly written by Diablo Cody whose dialogue crackles. Jason Reitman, who also directed Thank You For Smoking, ably creates a short (1 1/2 hour) film about Juno, a 16-year old who becomes pregnant. Although laughs are found in nearly every scene, Juno is an emotional and poignant story. The acting is superb and Ellen Page delivers a stunning performance as Juno.

J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney play Juno's parents--caring and loving who support Juno's situation with warmth. Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner play a couple who cannot have children and want to adopt. They place an ad expressing their desire to adopt, Juno finds the ad and strange hilarity ensues.

Like Thank You For Smoking, Jason Reitman displays some serious directing skills and doesn't allow the movie to lull -- each scene is well-crafted and adds another layer to a complex tale. The music is superb -- at moments -- awkward, but the creativity and originality of the score parallels Juno's free spirit.

Now, this movie isn't roll-in-your-seat funny -- the humor is subdued, but it is a humor that enlightens the situation of a 16-year old who finds herself in a very difficult position. Juno is a movie that will have you -- to borrow a cliche -- cheering for more.

If you have not seen this movie, I recommend you drop everything you are doing and sprint to the theatres. There is a reason it was nominated for Best Picture and Ellen Page was nominated for a Best Actress award.

It is going to give the other Best Picture nominees a run for their money.