the real deal

Rating: 10/10 (29 July 2008)

"Juno" is one of two 2007 movies dealing with unwed pregnancy ("Knocked Up" was the other) and of the two I liked it much better. Self-appointed media watchdogs are already claiming that it glamorizes teen pregnancy, but personally I think Hollywood does far more harm by glamorizing smoking. If I had a teenage daughter (God forbid!) I'd much rather she become pregnant than take up smoking. Conservative critics should embrace this movie for its pro-life message. "Juno" is a genuinely sweet, gentle feel-good movie starring one of the most beautiful and appealing starlets since Audrey Hepburn. I've fallen in love with Ellen Page (and Amy Adams of "Enchanted.") Michael Cera is likable as her nebbishy boyfriend and Jennifer Garner gives a touching performance as a middle class housewife desperate for a baby and coping with an immature, shallow husband (Jason Bateman) who seems a better match for 16-year old Juno. This is one Hollywood film that does not patronize middle America or working class people. I was disappointed that Juno didn't keep the baby at the end, especially since Garner's character would have to raise it by herself, her good-for-nothing husband having flown the coop. Still, it was a wonderful movie and I hope to see more from Ellen Page.