Juno

Jason Reitman, USA, 2007, 96 minutes

Director Jason Reitman's follow up to his antastic film Thank You For Smoking. This impressive film ritten by first-timer Diablo Cody deserved its Academy Award for best writing and should have won the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role as it is Ellen Page's performance that really stands out as the titular character.

Juno MacGuff is a sixteen year old with a problem. Whilst 'bored' one day she and best friend Paulie Bleaker (Michael Cera) decide to try sex for the first time. Unfortunately for Juno she gets pregnant and this film follows her life through the coming months as she tries to cope with pregnancy and what to do with the baby when it arrives. After being unable to abort the baby she considers adoption and meets with the Lorings. Jason Bateman is truly excellent as Mark Lorning a failed musician who composes jingles for commercials and a solid performance from Jennifer Garner as Vanessa Lorning as the anxious and eager hopeful mother.

A poignant and watchable film about life and realising what you want, Juno is full of wonderful music. Although the film itself may promote anger in some parties relating to its portrayal of teen pregnancy overall it deals with its issues well but more than that it is a fun, enjoyable film that should make you leave the cinema with a smile on your face.

Review by Amaya & Th1ngy
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2008