Juno (2007)

Average rating

(76%)

Starring:	Ellen Page \| Michael Cera \| Jennifer Garner \| Jason Bateman \| Allison Janney \| J.K. Simmons \| Olivia Thirlby \| Eileen Pedde \| Rainn Wilson
Director:	Jason Reitman
Studio:	20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time:	92 mins
Collections:	100 Hot Hits \| 100 Most Wanted
Genres:	Comedy \| Drama
Languages:	English
Released:	June 09, 2008
Also available on:	Juno is also available on blu_ray Juno is also available on Digital

The word 'quirky' has become the quick and easy way to describe films such as Little Miss Sunshine and Lars and the Real Girl that straddle the lines between indie and studio films and comedy and drama. While Juno fits into that same category, this distinctive dramedy is in a class all its own. Ellen Page (Hard Candy) stars as Juno, a witty teenage girl whose boredom doesn't lead her to the mall. Instead, she makes a one-time trip into the arms of her best friend Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera, Superbad). When Juno discovers that she's pregnant, she's forced to grow up fast as she tries to find adoptive parents for her quickly growing child.

Juno might have a lot of strengths--Page's award-worthy performance, a pitch-perfect soundtrack, excellent direction from Jason Reitman--but it's the screenwriting debut of writer Cody Diablo that makes this such a winning film. Famous for her blog and her book Candy Girl - A Year in the Life of an Unlikely Stripper, Diablo has a unique voice and an incredible ear for dialogue that led to her winning a Bafta and an Academy Award for Juno's script. But even the nearly perfect script wouldn't sound so good if it weren't for the talents of these actors, particularly Page. She won rave reviews for her first major role in Hard Candy, but this performance proves it wasn't a fluke. The rest of the cast, especially J.K. Simmons as Juno's dad, is just as worthy of attention. Junocontinues Cera's cinematic ascent after his success with the hit comedy Superbad, and his Arrested Development co-star Jason Bateman uses his dry delivery to great effect as a potential parent for Juno's baby.

Search for this film on Guardian Unlimited

Screenshots

Highest rated reviews

148 out of 152 people found the following review helpful:

Life lesson

yulbrynner from , 16th February, 2008

This is something guys should take there girlfriends to see. A chick flick I would say. Although there isn’t much to the whole thing and it didn’t make me laugh out, it still kept me watching without allowing me to dose of like most do. The only downside to me is that although it’s dealt with in calm, civilised manner the message sent out is that it’s ok to do this type of thing as if it’s the norm and someone will take care of it. The real world is totally opposite. Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it! Rule 2 : The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself. Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both. Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity. Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them. Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room. Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life. Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time. Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs. Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one. If you agree, show your friend If you can read this - Thank a teacher!

Read all highest rated reviews

79 out of 84 people found the following review helpful:

B-O-R-I-N-G

Quigs from from Manchester, 20th February, 2008

Errm, Wow, boring, really, really boring, that’s all I can say about this film. 1st, the clichés are so over used, the rap lyrics (fo-shizle) zzzzz. The plot is OK, but again distinctly average and never gets to warm. The only funny bit I laughed at, (hang on, this is a comedy? Isn't it?) is when Juno tells Michael Cera her strung along friend, and dad of the baby, that she's Keith Cheggers. He then just stares blankly like a lost puppy for about a minute.. That’s it. This film is boring. I don't want to point out all the plot holes and missing sections of the film, like why she appears at his front door, with a full living room set and pipe all laid out???? Huh? Just sooo boring.. PS: It wont win a single award cos it's dull..

Read all highest rated reviews

36 out of 37 people found the following review helpful:

*** May contain spoilers ***

A fine delivery

Meako from from Sheffield, 30th January, 2008

Many similarities in tone and pace of films such as Garden State, Juno offers a wry look at a short period in time during the life of a few characters. The focus of our attentions this time is the 9 months of Juno's pregnancy, and how it affects the lives of family, friends, and potential adoptive parents. In the hands of Reitman (the director), who brought us the satire Thank You For Smoking, the film paces well, and plays subtle with the laughs and deftly with the emotions. A really likeable cast help carry the simple tale along, especially the talented Ellen Page (who has already shown her amazing acting talent in Hard Candy) who is the focus of the majority of screen time as young Juno. She really conveys all the emotions and turmoil, and some insecurities, that you would expect a 'wild and free spirit' to have when put into such a situation. It is easy to like and care for her throughout, despite her characters obvious flaws, thanks to the effortless manner in which Page plays the role. Support from names such as Jennifer Garner and JK Simmons is also strong, all adding to the mix of charm that the film offers. All in all, a charming and sweet comedy which will definitely touch your hearts whilst making you smile.

Read all highest rated reviews

Most recent reviews