This movie couldn't have been titled anything else. Like Pretty Woman before it, the appeal of Juno begins and ends with an uber-charming (although fairly unrealistic) heroine. The film does share a few good insights along the way, but mostly serves as the portrait of a teenage girl almost as mythical as her namesake.

Wise, wise-cracking, and almost cloyingly hip, Juno exhibits none of the awkwardness of a typical girl her age. Ellen Page, who portrays the title character with near perfect three-day-old puppy dog cuteness, manages to inject a bit of angst when it is absolutely essential to the story. For the most part, however, the character comes across as comfortable in her own skin in a way that would make most 50-year-olds envious. It makes for a really fun movie, but one that doesn't tend to mirror reality.

There are, however, enough flashes of the real world in Juno to keep the film from devolving into utter nonsense. For example, Juno's friend (and the father of her baby) Paulie Bleeker is painted by the brilliant Michael Cera with all of the colors of gloriously awkward youth. (For more of this rent Arrested Development, the most underrated T.V. show of all time.) Although I thought the film ultimately took a somewhat unbelievable turn with regard to his storyline, his part added a much-needed glimpse into the real life of teenagers.

Also keeping the story grounded are the yuppie adoptive parents-to-be Mark and Vanessa. Although, again, I feel that their story goes in a somewhat unrealistic direction, it provides a poignant take on the money-can't-buy-happiness theme. Deftly portrayed by Jason Bateman (also woefully underrated, and also of Arrested Development) and Jennifer Garner, the characters add a layer of contrast that benefits the plot greatly.

A final note: I have to scratch my head a little when some declare this movie to be an attack on abortion rights or a thinly veiled pitch for ultra conservatism. Not much of what happens in Juno seems able to be taken as a lesson for all. It is nothing if not fiction, and I don't expect teenage girls to stop seeking abortions on the basis of this movie alone. One of the best movies of the year? Definitely. A artistic champion of the right-to-life movement? I didn't quite get that out of it. But, if it does happen to inspire a frightened woman or girl to choose adoption for her unborn child, can we really say that's a bad thing?

Learn more about this author, Rachael Mcmillan.
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