If Universal's theme for 2007 has been targeting the Middle Eastern conflict then Fox Searchlight seems to be coasting on the topic of unwanted pregnancies. The studios' second, and this year's third, movie following the woes that come with maternity is perhaps the most poignant. Not content to build his reputation from under his father's shadow, Jason Reitman continues the stellar work he began with Thank You For Smoking making one of this year's quirkiest and most touching dramadies, Juno.

Since abortion doesn't seem to be the answer that the brash teenage Juno is looking for when it comes to her unwanted pregnancy, the high school student begins a search for adoptive parents. Finding the seemingly perfect couple in Vanessa and Mark Loring, Juno decides to take up the role as their sergeant mother. Facing trouble with boys, nasty "stink-eye" looks from girls at school, on top of all the trials and tribulations that come with pregnancy; Juno has got her hands full.

Working with newbie screenwriter Diablo Cody's dynamite script, Reitman managed to find the right balance between quirkiness and heart in bringing Juno to the screen. The dialogue in the picture pops right off the page and flows effortlessly out of the actors mouths, making each witty joke and pop culture reference almost lyrical in its harmony.

Of course Cody's script wouldn't translate well to the screen if it wasn't for the fantastic actors Reitman assembled for the picture. Like Thank You For Smoking before it, the strength of the picture rides on a strong charismatic lead, and enough praise cannot be given to Ellen Page. Leading the actress to the breakout performance many industry insiders knew she was capable of, Reitman and Page have perfected teenage cynicism and charming whit, creating a truly unforgettable title character.

With the talented troop of actors surrounding Page, it only further bolsters the young actress' accomplishment. Jason Batemen, Jennifer Garner, Michael Cera, J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney help round out a terrific collection of eccentric characters. When the film ends you can't help but wish you could have spent more time with each of them.

Structurally Juno follows its 2007 predecessors Waitress and Knocked Up, honing in on key moments over the course of the nine months using clever transitions. Opening each act with a high school track team, that never seems to quit running, is not only a fantastic reoccurring gag for the film, but more importantly it emphasizes the beats that Cody's script hits help make Juno's grueling gestation period seem to fly by, keeping the pace of the picture cooking.

While Reitman's direction is stellar and unique, the musical choices in Juno strive too hard to be out there and quirky. Taking a page from the tone found in Napoleon Dynamite's opening credits, some of the soundtrack selections force the oddball tone on the audience, coming out of left field by not reflecting the title character's own professed love for indy, punk rock.

Like Thank You For Smoking, Juno is a star driven film. Ellen Page will forever be associated with this role. She has become Juno. Thanks to the incredible skill of up and coming talents, both in front of and behind the camera, Juno makes teenage pregnancy an unforgettably enjoyable experience.

Learn more about this author, Movie Pulse.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Movie reviews: Juno?
We want to hear your view. Write now!