Juno ~~~~

This is a smart film and a funny film and a great antidote to the usual teen fodder.

Don't be misled by the idea that this just movie fluff. This could be one of the comedies, quirky as it is, of the year.

Teenager Juno gets pregnant by her high-school boyfriend unexpectedly. What to do? In her own wisdom she decides to keep the baby, stay in school and find adoptive parents for the prospective bundle of joy. So far, so American cheese-ball movie. (See 'Knocked Up' in comparison.) However, this film is far from what one might expect from our State-side cousins who, more often than not, do a remarkable impression that life is all roses and delight and that teenagers don't do grown up things - or rather they do and the Christian-right is placated with dodgy moral choices almost alien to us in the real world. There. My political comment is over. But, as I say this film, although on the surface following the predicable life choices re: bun in the oven etc, does all it can to make the issue of teen pregnancy and responsibility honest, open and extremely funny, touching and realistic. I think you get the gist of the story.

Where this film really comes into it's own is in almost all the elements a good film should consist of. Great script (not too smart arse as some critics have mentioned - why not be smart after all?), engaging actors, enjoyable yet subtle tunes throughout, great camera work and interesting story. Part of the humour in the film comes from Juno's developing relationship with the prospective adoptive parents who themselves have both individual and couple issues. Juno becomes almost a surrogate child/friend to the 'father' (smashing and underrated Jason Bateman) and the relationship takes an interesting twist as does that of the relationship with the desperate yet sympathetic mother, lovingly played by Jennifer Garner. Juno's parents are wonderful and quirky as are her best friends and townsfolk.

Without ruining the outcome, this is a smashing film. If you like 'Napoleon Dynamite' at all, this is a great compliment to it in many ways. It really is much more than a teen movie. The substance is far more interesting and daring than I had imagined and I am already looking forward to watching this little gem once again. A shame the lead actress missed out on the Oscar... but there's plenty of time for her to succeed in the future. Watch out!