Pacific Index

Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: A&E

Ellen Page stars as Juno MacGuff, a pregnant 16 year old in the Academy Award nominated film.

When the phrase 'teenage pregnancy' comes to mind, it is rarely associated with cleverness and humor. The film "Juno" has set out to change all of that.

Because of this, the surprise hit could even be semi-controversial from a more conservative perspective. Others may find that its fearless tackling of such a typically discreet topic only packs a bigger punch. The latter, however, is the typical consensus, and rightfully so. Punctuated by quick wit, this coming-of-age flick offers viewers that warm fuzzy feeling along with a few substantial points to think about. And it's not easy to find a nice combination of both in cinema today.

Actress Ellen Page is fascinating as Juno MacGuff, a sixteen-year old girl known for her independent, offhand personality and quirky jargon. On a whim, Juno and friend Paulie Bleeker have something of a one-night stand, leading to her accidental pregnancy.

Equally convincing, Michael Cera plays opposite Page as the awkwardly adorable Bleeker.

With the combination of their breakout performances, the duo's on-screen chemistry is irresistible. Their scenes together are natural and innocent, and there's a lot to be gleaned from watching their high school romance grow along with Juno's tummy.

But pint-size Juno isn't ready for the emotional toll and serious responsibilities of having a baby, so she explores her options, including both abortion and adoption. She faces the challenges with her signature method of coping: by being her cool and collective self, and the end result is virtually guaranteed to tug at some heartstrings.

It's clear from the get-go that Page was born to play the role of the Sunny D-swigging teenager who bemoans her gradual resemblance to a planet. Meanwhile, any one-liner that comes out of Cera's mouth is automatic comedy gold, as he modestly manifests his superb acting chops through Bleeker's geeky persona. Jennifer Garner is also winning as the sophisticated wife who is desperate to be a mother.

Juno dishes up nonstop laughs with style and moxie, and most impressively, without having to resort to the standard big-screen archetypes. The film's characters are memorable and fleshed-out, and it's extremely refreshing to watch. Juno herself isn't the whiny, immature teenager often portrayed in films, and her parents aren't overbearing; they support her through her pregnancy. Her best friend is a cheerleader who, for once, is not a stuck up queen bee, as is the usual cliché. Finally, there's Bleeker, who doesn't have to come in the form of a macho hunk to be the perfect boyfriend.

The most loveable part about Juno, aside from its whip-smart dialogue and random humor, would have to be its genuine feel. It is true that the film is excessively slick in both tone and script, but clearly it doesn't belong in the often recycled, crude genre known as 'the teen movie.' It also does a beautiful job of dealing with themes like adult life, the 'dynamics of marriage,' and the different stages of love and maturity. Its handpicked, homey soundtrack is the icing on the cake, featuring tracks from Kimya Dawson and Sonic Youth.

Collectively, Juno really delivers - and that's not just a pun, either.

Rating: 4. 5/5

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