Overrated? True. Worthless? It is not.

Rating: 6/10 (18 September 2008)

Wow, it looks like everybody's getting very political about this movie. I did not think being pro or against abortion was such a dividing and decisive issue in the States. But so it seems. However, I'd rather not take sides, if you don't mind.
Juno definitely is overrated. But is it any surprise to anyone? It is not a new phenomenon that movies, the merits of which are scarce or disputable pocket a swath of coveted awards. Being politically correct or articulating an opinion popular with those setting the rules can by itself be very fruitful. No elaborate plot, sophisticated camera movement, sublime dialogue or unforeseen twists are needed to get the collecting of statues and shiny artifacts of all sizes started. Juno is lacking most of the above qualities, but still I did not feel that deceived to have sat it through. Yes, it is cute, and it is not very likely that a 16-year-old, music channel led teen would own up to her situation this maturely, but I'd be lying if I said I did not enjoy Juno at all. A few lines of conversation are quite funny, Juno's cynical remarks are sometimes rather witty (and likable, provided you can put it aside that they are more likely to come from the mouth of a thirty-something intellectual), while the acting of Ellen Page is far better than average. She is a natural. You still can tell she is playing a role but given her age and her tendencies of always making the most of it, no great imagination is needed to predict she will be world-class very soon.
Juno would have made a funny, lightweight comedy even the most unrelenting, most critical, stone-faced film buffs could have enjoyed to a certain extent had it not been for the fragile and divisive issue it brings forth. 'Cause yes, it was meant to be a comedy. So don't tell me that Jennifer Garner's tears are about the only thing in its right place.