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Movie reviews: Juno

by Ryan Burton

Created on: May 02, 2008   Last Updated: February 09, 2011

What can I say about the movie "Juno"? Well, I would begin with the fact that I am a huge fan of Ellen Page. After seeing her in "X-Men: The Last Stand," I knew there was something about this little Canadian actress. Probably it was because of her natural beauty, and another part is how good of an actress she really is. Movies like the controversial "Hard Candy." (which deals with pedophile stalking) prove just how bold of an actress she is to take on good dramatic roles. There is no doubt she has gone far in the Hollywood world.

The same goes true with the movie Juno. Although in this instance she takes a turn in the comedy department, and you can certainly enjoy the film for what it is.

After accidentally getting pregnant by her boy friend Pauly Bleeker (played with wonderful innocence by Michael Cera), Page's character Juno decides to have the baby rather than an abortion, and give it up for adoption. With the help of her ever loving parents (played wonderfully by J.K. Simmons and Allison Janey), Juno comes across a couple (Jennifer Gardner & Jason Bateman) looking to adopt. The only real issue with this is as we get further into Bateman's character is discovering that he's not really ready to become father (just as Juno is coming close to giving birth).

The movie speaks well for its universal themes of pregnancy, and individuals taking responsibility for their own actions. Page is very believable as a 16-year-old girl who must face the perks of growing up (while at the same time being a smart-mouthed, independently cool teen). You can love her in the role without question, but other times, you might disagree with Juno's views on life as well. Especially considering her relationship with Pauly. There's no question as to how much he loves Juno, but she's too immature to see Pauly as more than her friend. Even when she finds out he's going to hang out with another girl, she's all upset by that. The reality is she never took his feelings into full consideration when they decided to become intimate (and then using that action as an excuse to hurt him back is immature itself). But with every great heroine there's comes time a lesson to be learned, and Ellen succeeds well with her character in this way.

The scene that affects me the most is when she pulls her car over after the "truth" is revealed about Bateman's character. As she's crying over the problems she has caused with her carelessness, it made me feel

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