An Adult Film For Teens, a Teen Film For Adults

Rating: 8/10 (10 February 2008)

A teenage girl gets pregnant, and considers her options. After turning down abortion (in an odd scene with Emily Perkins ("Ginger Snaps")) her decides to give the child up for adoption. Hilarity ensues as we follow her misadventures as well as the relationship of her chosen adopted parents (played perfectly by Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner). This isn't Kirsten Dunst in "15 and Pregnant".
I didn't know how to approach this movie, as I didn't know who the audience was supposed to be. Kids? Adults? It turns out the people who will love this most are fans of "Dawson's Creek" and "Garden State" most likely, as this film seems to be a blend of those two. The unrealistic (but enjoyable dialog) of Dawson, and the independent spirit of Garden State. And, thankfully, no Zach Braff. Just lots of fun pop culture references spoken by a kid with a grad student's vocabulary. (I really enjoyed the line about Morgan Freeman and the "Bone Collector" as well as the Thundercats reference, despite both being technically incorrect.) Surprisingly, it has little or no resemblance to "Arrested Development" despite having two of the stars in the picture (though never on screen together).
The music was a strong point of the film, with the focus being Kimya Dawson and the Moldy Peaches. I'm not a big Kimya Dawson fan (my experience with her comes through a friend I can no longer call a friend), but this film sold me. The friend I watched it with was still pondering the next day whether Kimya is a genius or, to tone tone her language, a bunch of rubbish. I was leaning more towards a free spirit doing what she wants, not genius or rubbish, and I think that fits the main character in Juno, who is one of the most unique girls you'll meet.
The best subplot for me was the relationship between Juno and Mark (Jason Bateman), which teeters between father-daughter and near-lovers. I really love how they worked music discussions into the film (Sonic Youth?) and the horror conversation -- what other film talks about Dario Argento and features "Wizard of Gore"? Not sure about anyone else, but it hit home for me. That's the difference between a good and great movie, the power to resonate.
As stated, fans of "Dawson" or "Garden" ought to see this. I think most people will like it (my mother did) but this group will like it best. The lead actress (Ellen Page, Kitty Pryde from the "X-Men" franchise) is going places (and I don't just mean starring in the new Sam Raimi horror flick).