Modern Capra

Rating: 7/10 (23 January 2008)

I'm surprised at the vehemence of the people who dislike this movie for not making a Serious Statement about teenage pregnancy and/or abortion. Underneath the hipper than thou dialog, Juno is basically the kind of sentimental fable about decent, likable people that Frank Capra would be making if he were in his prime today. It has about as much to do with the actual consequences of pregnancy for a working class teenager as You Can't Take It With You did with unemployment during the Depression, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington with the rules of the Senate, or It's A Wonderful Life with the savings and loan business in a small town. That's pretty good company, and Juno belongs there.