With a story and script that are light years above most others, don't put off a showing of this film, as I did!

Rating: 10/10 (12 April 2008)

Juno (Ellen Page) is a sixteen year old student who lives with her blue-collar, kindly father (J.K. Simmons), her down to earth stepmother (Allison Janney) and her little half-sister, Liberty Bell. Although she is smart, funny and cute, she is not a member of the "in-crowd" at school but exists on the fringes in her own unique way. A crush on a fellow classmate of the cross country team leads to a sexual encounter that leads, in turn, to an unwanted pregnancy. What to do? Her first thought is abortion but, once at the clinic, she can't follow through, as a classmate-activist tells her that even fetuses have fingernails. That leaves her with few real choices so, very sensibly, Juno tells her parents of the situation and informs them that she is already seeking a nice couple to adopt the baby. One day soon after, her father accompanies her to the would-be adoptive parents lush home. Upon meeting the Lorings, they seem ideal. Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) is a lovely businesswoman who confesses that she was "made" to be a mother but is unable to have children of her own. Husband Mark (Justin Bateman), also, seems kind, intelligent, and "cool", that is, he has a music room with classic guitars, etc., and he writes melodies for advertising commercials out of their home. A contract is signed and everyone begins to wait for the perfect outcome of Juno's pregnancy. But, will everything, indeed, be perfect or is reality about to come calling? This brief description can NOT convey the true wonderment of this film. Yes, this is an outline sketch of events but the awesome script, by Diablo Cody, that embellishes the story is so funny, the buttons of your own pants will come flying off between spasms of laughter! From the fellow science lab student who says she can't concentrate today due to a "menstral migraine" or the convenience store owner chiding Juno for shaking her pregnancy test stick "it's not an etch-a-sketch!", this is a screenplay that is lights years above most others. In fact, the great one-liners come so quickly that a second showing will be a requirement! Then, too, the performances are great, with the petite Page leading the way. But, the film is much more than a laugh or two, as it tackles a touchy subject, teenage pregnancy, and treats it lovingly, with humanity, dignity, and naked reality. If you have put off a showing of this film, for whatever reason, don't delay any longer! This is a film that, absolutely, confirms that life is worth living and that our connections to others are the means to help us through it.