The Third Draft

Juno (2007)                          Back to Reviews
by Coach Patton
©D. Patton, All Rights Reserved
 
Directed by Jason Reitman
Written by Diablo Cody
Running Length: 1:32 Rated: PG-13 (Profanity, sexual content)
  
PLOT: Juno is a whip-smart teen confronting an unplanned pregnancy by her classmate Bleeker. With the help of her hot best friend Leah, Juno finds her unborn child a "perfect" set of parents: an affluent suburban couple, Mark and Vanessa, longing to adopt. Luckily, Juno has the total support of her parents as she faces some tough decisions, flirts with adulthood and ultimately figures out where she belongs.

Cast: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons, Olivia Thirlby

A comedy about growing up--- and the bumps along the way.
 
Juno may well be 2007's "Little Film That Could." You know the category - there's one every year. Last year's entry was Little Miss Sunshine.
 
You may not think teen pregnancy is a good choice to base a comedy on, but that’s what is so special about this movie. It takes very real situations and manages to find the funny side from the first, second and third pregnancy tests to the delivery room. (Actually from the opening credits.) It’s also tender, sweet, quirky, and did we mention very funny? The soundtrack is as unique as the people.

Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) is sixteen years old and pregnant. She takes three home pregnancy tests to be sure, but the results can't be denied. Her boyfriend, Paulie (Michael Cera), is as befuddled by the news as she is. After all, they only did it once, although that's obviously enough. (And, to his tribute, he doesn't do the most insensitive thing imaginable and ask if she's sure he's the father.)

At first, Juno considers an abortion, but she doesn't like the vibe she gets at the clinic. So, after revealing the truth to her supportive father (J.K. Simmons) and stepmother (Allison Janney), she goes to the "Desperately Seeking Spawn" section of the local Penny Saver to try to find a good Mommy and Daddy for her unborn child. "Someone is going to get a blessing out of this garbage dump of a situation."

Enter Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) and Mark (Jason Bateman), Mr. and Mrs. Wonderful. They're geared up to adopt -- or at least Vanessa is. Mark, on the other hand, seems more interested in watching old horror movies along with playing and discussing Rock & Roll with the prospective mother of his future child.

Juno certainly marks an impressive step forward for director Jason Reitman, as the movie effectively blends comedy and drama far more effectively than his debut effort -- 2005's Thank You For Smoking.
 
Reitman -- working from Diablo Cody's screenplay -- initially infuses Juno with an overtly quirky and almost distractingly deadpan sensibility that often threatens to negate its positive attributes.
 
There comes a point, however, at which Reitman drops such shenanigans in favor of a far more organic vibe, and it's consequently fairly surprising to note just how involving and downright compelling Juno eventually becomes. Page's phenomenal performance certainly plays a significant role in the film's success, though credit must be given to supporting players Simmons, Janney, Cera, and above all Jason Bateman.
 
And while the movie does feature a blatantly sentimental third act, Juno's myriad heartwarming of and crowd-pleasing elements ensure that it ultimately remains as likeable an effort as one might have anticipated.
 
Juno (Page) is glib and sarcastic and yeah, almost too cool, but that’s what is so terrific about her. She acts detached, but you get that there’s a real person under her tough exterior. And the movie never judges her for the decisions she makes. She’s surrounded by characters that will surprise you.
 
There are a lot of TV actors on this big screen movie and they fill it with realness -- the chemistry between them gives every relationship genuine depth. You could make a case for a nomination for all the main characters; Ellen Page is one of the new young faces of Hollywood and she delivers one knockout performance after another – this is her best yet. Motherhood agrees with Jennifer Garner -- she’s an ideal parent and warms your heart the more you get to know her, especially through Juno’s eyes. And a girl should only be so lucky to have J.K. Simmons for a dad; plus, Allison Janney is the best stepmom ever.
 
While not necessarily inappropriate, simply labeling this film a comedy doesn’t speak to its multiple dimensions. The ways in which Reitman keeps the mood upbeat, from the animated opening title sequence to his actors' trading spirited barbs to the buoyant soundtrack (largely courtesy of indie folk artist, Kimya Dawson), allow the serious matters to play out, absent even the faintest trace of melodrama.

Juno is the kind of the film where a viewer almost needs to look for a reason to dislike it for it not to work. It's droll without being rude or dishonest. It's smart without being smart-assed. And it's got enough heart to keep the comedic elements in check. It's delightful without being sugary. Juno gave me something to think about, as well: Where were girls like this when I was in high school? A girl like Juno would have had me strung out on her from the first day.

It’s hard to tell who deserves the most credit here – the writer for creating such wonderful dialog, the terrific actors made for these parts, or the director who choreographed it all and paced the film to perfection without a moment of wasted film. Or at least that’s How It Seemed from Where I Sat.
 
Coach Patton

What’s it worth?    
For film buffs -- the price of the evening shows
For the average viewer --- matinee price at your local cinema.

ROLL CREDITS
Director: Jason Reitman
Screenplay: Diablo Cody
Cinematography: Eric Steelberg
Music: Mateo Messina

CAST
Ellen Page ---  Juno MacGuff
Michael Cera ---  Paulie Bleeker
Jennifer Garner ---  Vanessa Loring
Jason Bateman ---  Mark Loring
Allison Janney ---  Bren MacGuff
J.K. Simmons ---  Mac MacGuff
Olivia Thirlby ---  Leah

2008  Oscar Nominations:
 Best Motion Picture of the Year
Best Achievement in Directing: Jason Reitman
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Ellen Page

OSCAR WON

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen: Diablo Cody

FADE TO BLACK

In The Name Of Truth, Justice and In the Service of A Higher Good, I Remain Your Friend, Movie Reviewer and Spiritual Advisor, Coach Patton

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