Hilarious, sharp and heartwarming

Rating: 9/10 (17 February 2008)

"Juno" is the next in an increasingly long line of films about unwanted pregnancy. However, this film has had more of an impact than "Waitress" and "Knocked Up" and it is curious as to why this should be. Whilst it confronts the issues involved with the subject, it hardly says anything truly affirmative about them. There is however a simple reason for why this film has been more successful than those that have gone before. It is heartwarming, hilarious and, in a phrase, just great.
This is a film based around a number of strong foundations, the first of which is Diablo Cody's script. She creates interesting and detailed characters that are a joy to watch and the dialogue that flies between them is a joy to listen to. The plot is perfectly structured and it is refreshing that the plot doesn't play out as necessarily expected. There is a fantastic sense of reality in this film.
Another strong presence in the film is the cast, lead by the extraordinary Ellen Page. For someone so young to perform moments that are, as her character says, "way beyond her maturity level" so effectively is astonishing. She is moving, charismatic and charming: the perfect companion to waltz through the movie with. She is ably supported by Michael Cera who is disarmingly effective as the child's father. However, praise must be handed to Jennifer Garner for her subtle and surprising performance as the potential adoptive mother. J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney are also very entertaining as Juno's embattled parents.
The cast are under the direction of the more than capable Jason Reitman who does a really impressive job. His previous effort, "Thank You For Smoking", was a flawed comedy, but it showed potential and this film may prove that he is a director rather than a screenwriter. His direction is subtle and inventive and the film is so well crafted that you cannot doubt more than solid direction.
You can't help but be moved and uplifted by this comedy. There is depth in the film that I found quite surprising and wonderfully emotive. This is not a political piece; it is a personal one where the characters are the most important part of the movie. It is sharp, intelligent and, above all, enjoyable. With all of the humour, the emotion and the brilliance, you can't help but leave the film without a smile on your face.