Juno (Movie Review)

Juno (Ellen Page) is a movie about a 16 year old teen who discovers that she's pregnant by her best friend Paulie Bleaker (Michael Cera). At first she wants to have an abortion, but with the help of her other best friend Leah (Olivia Thirlby) she finds an ad for pennysaver for parents who want to adopt a child. With help from her Dad (J.K Simmons) they meet the couple Mark and Vanessa Loring (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner) expressing the joy of adoption. I never though I find Juno to be so interesting, Ellen Page brings life to the character with creative dialogue and quick lines to make this character feel different and enjoyable. Ellen Page reminds me of Molly Ringwald; an actress that didn't seem like a cliche' (concerned about her personality, character or arrogance), she seems to be very comfortable with herself never worried about what people think about her which makes the Juno character interesting and accessible to the audience. She's not an elegant dresser or prom queen for a year she is just an ordinary girl trying to live her life. The supporting cast is just as good as Ellen Page's role, Jennifer Garner is convincing as the mother that wants to be the mother of her adopted child and so is J.K Simmons, Allison Janney, and Jason Bateman playing their respective roles. Director Jason Riteman does a good job of pacing with the movie. It's never too serious or too hokey; it very consistent with all the characters. The soundtrack leaves a lot to be desired, it felt like a band just murmuring the lines in the chorus and it just doesn't sound like music and some dialogue is a little questionable, but this indie sensation is a pleasure indeed.

**** out of *****

Pluses: Solid Dialogue, great cast, nice cinematography.

Minuses: Underwhelming soundtrack, lovable (if complex) main character.

Cast:
Ellen Page ... Juno MacGuff
Michael Cera ... Paulie Bleeker
Jennifer Garner ... Vanessa Loring
Jason Bateman ... Mark Loring
Allison Janney ... Brenda 'Bren' MacGuff
J.K. Simmons ... Mac MacGuff
Olivia Thirlby ... Leah
Rainn Wilson ... Rollo

Produced by
Joseph Drake .... executive producer (as Joe Drake)
Daniel Dubiecki .... executive producer
Lianne Halfon .... producer
Nathan Kahane .... executive producer
Kelli Konop .... co-producer
John Malkovich .... producer
Jim Miller .... co-producer
Mason Novick .... producer
Russell Smith .... producer
Brad Van Arragon .... co-producer

Original Music by
Matt Messina (as Mateo Messina)

Cinematography by
Eric Steelberg (director of photography)

Writing credits
(WGA)
Diablo Cody (written by)

Directed by
Jason Reitman