Juno (2007) Fox Searchlight Pictures
1 hr. 32 mins.
Starring: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, J.K. Simmons, Allison Janney, Olivia Thirlby, Eileen Pedde, Sierra Pitkin, Rainn Wilson
Directed by: Jason Reitman
This film is rated: PG-13

Rating: *** stars (out of 4 stars)

The winning teen pregnancy comedy Juno is a remarkable triumph because it does the small things correctly. Filmmaker Jason Reitman promotes a heartwarming tone wrapped up in a sharpened witty flippancy. This quaint yet charming examination of a brainy 16-year-old girl who losses her virginity on a sexual whim then becomes knocked up as the result of her hormonal curiosity definitely isn't an encouraging sell based on the radical premise. Reitman manages to sparehead Juno as a quirky fable about one teen's observational cynicism about life's minimal mousetraps. Of course this narrative is skillful when presenting our harried heroine's low-key angst within a bigger scheme of an overwhelming existence. Cunningly perceptive and hip in its irresistible skepticism about the comforts and uncertainties of love, Juno is enchantingly bright and breezy in its effecting resonance.

Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) is the precocious yet spunky pregnant teen whose casual "roll-in-the-seat" with her soft-spoken boyfriend Paulie Beeker ("Superbad's" Michael Cera) lands her with an unexpected "bundle of joy". Juno panics but in a quiet sense as she makes a trip to an abortion clinic only to change her mind and decide to put up the unborn child up for adoption. With the assistance of her best pal Leah (Olivia Thirlby), they decide to refer to a pennysaver newspaper ad where they notice a seemingly respectable young married couple looking to adopt a child. After all, Juno realizes that she cannot take on the responsibility of an infant and wants her child to have the best where she cannot provide such a secure emotional and financial life.

Now Juno, incidentally named after the Greek goddess with a defiant temper, has the dubious task of breaking this regrettable news to her working-class father Mac (J.K. Simmons from the "Spider-Man" flicks) and stepmother Brenda (Allison Janney, "Hairspray") about her accidental pregnancy. Surprisingly, Juno's parents--although disappointed in her bad judgment--are calm and supportive but nevertheless are there to help Juno through this sudden crisis. Brenda is instrumental in taking Juno to her doctor's appointments for pre-natal care. As for Mac, he accompanies Juno to the aforementioned married tandem The Lorings (Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman) found in the pennysaver advertisement. Husband Mark is a composer for TV commercials but really is a frustrated musician that never made the big time. Wife Vanessa is the real working stiff in the family and is the uptight one about wanting a baby to complete their posh, yuppie-inspired lifestyle in the scenic suburbs.

Eventually, Juno becomes intrigued with the Lorings and feels satisfied that her baby's future with these people could be peaceful and prosperous. Strangely, Juno's attachment to the Lorings through random visits proves to be quite revealing. Mark and Vanessa's loving facade starts to show some dysfunctional cracks. Mark bonds with Juno over head-banging music and gory flicks while demonstrating ambiguous signs of affection for the acid-tongued teen. In the meanwhile, Vanessa questions Juno's numerous visits to their mansion and develops paranoia as for why Juno is always hanging around her venue. Wisely, Brenda tries to tell Juno that her interference in the lives of the Lorings may have vital consequences when everything is said and done.

Can Juno see the writing on the wall that she innocently adds to the tension of the Lorings' strained relationship? What will become of her baby providing that the likable Lorings aren't for real in this so-called loving makeup? Can Juno find a concrete connection with her indecisive soulmate Paulie in the midst of her bulging belly blues? Will Juno overcome all the crass criticism from cruel-minded classmates that object to her moral dilemma of carrying a child as a high schooler?

Candidly, Juno is subversively spry and clever in its bid to use the device of teen pregnancy as a metaphor for carrying the burden on one's youthful shoulders for life's unknown intentions and tendencies. Screenwriter Diablo Cody whips up an unassuming mixture of pithy and pathos as the material shifts eloquently in the slaphappy shenanigans at large. This spirited exposition is a concoction of raw emotion and giddy vibes accompanied by delightfully devilish dialogue, an unconventional and playfully kooky soundtrack and the obligatory movie "message"--in this case, the hot topic concerning adoption/abortion and the cautionary theme about children aimlessly having children. Reitman is intuitive as to not let this film become too heavy-handed, preachy or petulant about the touchy issues it raises regarding Juno's sensitive plight. Clearly, this is more on the level of a talented but misguided young girl thinking that her philosophy on existence isn't as clear cut or as comprehensible as she falsely imagined. Juno is about lightweight teenaged rebellion and disillusionment from an innocuously cockeyed perspective.

The performances are absolutely honest, insightful and embracing. Ellen Page captures the unique essence of Juno MacGuff and is resoundingly refreshing as the glib gal that doesn't totally see the complications of her self-imposed actions. Cera is right on cue as the dead pan Paulie that exists only to simply run track and play his music at will. Paulie is a sideline victim to Juno's predicament he helped partake in a moment of reckless passion. Television stalwarts Bateman ("Arrested Development", "The Hogan Family") and Garner ("Alias") are fascinating as a high-living married couple practically living a lie in surfacing doubt and denial. Simmons deserves an Oscar nod as the sensible dad whose tranquil guidance toward his bewildered daughter is reassuring in love and understanding. Emmy award-winning Janney is exuberant and resourcefully feisty as the stepmom that has a genuine interest in Juno's wayward welfare.

Armed with robust contributions from a solid cast of characters and the ear-pleasing tunes courtesy of songbird Kimya Dawson, Juno fits the irreverent bill as one of 2007's distinctively enriching comedies to register in our cinematic consciousness.

Frank Ochieng
@ World Voice News (2007)