Liz’s Take on Juno: Comedy with an Edge

So if you have yet to see this year’s break-through Indie hit Juno, it just might be time. Nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture (along with several other award nominations), it is 2008’s Little Miss Sunshine. In other words, it’s a great film-a comedy with an edge that draws you in immediately into the title character’s world–which has just abruptly changed. At 16 Juno finds herself pregnant, and with the help of her best friend, she finds a couple in the PennySaver to adopt the baby.

The acting and character development in the film is superb. Ellen Page’s portrayal of the sarcastic and witty Juno is somehow endearing, and you root for her character throughout the film. Her interaction with the father of the baby (played by Michael Cera which some of you will remember from the brilliant show, Arrested Development) is heartbreaking, funny, and touching. The potential adoptive father in the film is played by Jason Bateman who appreciates Juno’s sense of humor and they connect in an unexpected way. While Jennifer Garner plays the potential adoptive mother, and is anxious about the arrival of the baby and obsessed with making everything perfect. Meanwhile Juno is simply trying to make the best of an awkward situation, and keep her head high while doing so. Written by Diablo Cody and directed by Jason Reitman, Juno is not to be missed! 

I will not give away the ending…but it took me by surprise. For more analysis and commentary (which WILL give away the ending), check out my new Blog: www.filmfascination.wordpress.com