Review of Juno (2007) by Wayne I — 07 Jul 2015

One of the few movies I can watch over and over again yet never get tired of.

I have to admit - the humor is an acquired taste as well as Juno's character, and you could also stake your claim that this is one of those ridiculously overrated teen movies trying its hardest to stand out like a sore thumb. But it's not. In the aspect of teen pregnancy, sure, it's an unholy cliche, but I've really never seen anything quite like this film in particular.

Everything about Ellen Page, from the mannerisms, dialogue, even the simple things like her expressions were what did me in as a viewer. She was genuine and real, and so was Michael Cera who played the role of her sheepish boyfriend Bleeker. Both of them are two of my favorites in the huge sea of actors we know today, and I'm a sucker for Ellen Page especially because she's such a dork. And aside from all that, the most important thing is that she literally puts herself into whichever character she's playing. Anyone can act, but she seems to effortlessly draw you in as if you're right there with her.

The whole entire plot of this movie is a coincidence considering Bleeker and Juno were just two best friends who succumbed to teenage boredom and ended up creating another human being in the process. But as in real life, shit happens. And that's the message that this movie conveys in a very effective manner. It's not all peachy as you can see in the deeper, more meaningful parts of this movie that aren't all shits and giggles. Like when Juno broke down in her car when the realization that Mark was leaving the premises for good kicked in. Like when she had that whole talk with her father Mac about sticking together and what not. Especially when she confessed her feelings to Bleeker.

I just wish the producers would have gone more in-depth when it ca to their relationship because I feel like a lot was left unsaid. Juno distanced herself, but at the same time, there seems to be just enough quirky romance to make up for it. The final scene nailed it.

I wouldn't really call Juno a happy story, but it still manages to be hilarious through and through due to the characters and their unique quirks. Sometimes the ending really gets me down because the viewer walks away knowing that something beautiful came out of a shitty situation on both ends. The baby was a mistake. Mark left. He had so much potential, whether he chose to stay with his wife or not. Unfortunately, some people are real "a-holes" in the words of Juno. Cold feet, I guess.

Vanessa meets baby and her world instantly changes. She has the look of a mother.

Not to mention, this movie seriously had a kick-ass soundtrack that still gets to me to this day. I thank this film because it introduced me to the Moldy Peaches which are a band I now love to pieces that I would have otherwise never heard of. Kimya Dawson's music seems to fit this movie like a glove which is a very hard thing to accomplish when it comes to films and their supporting soundtracks. Not sure why, but the tone of it all just fits because it's childish and dorky yet super real and down to earth like Juno herself.

It was vintage, full of goofiness, even a bit sad at times, and just my cup of tea.