Damn. Juno is a magnificent film. I have been mulling over what I wanted to say about it for a few days now, mostly because of how great my experience was with this movie. I hate when you go to a movie, and leave feeling like, “well, that was okay”. When I left Juno, I felt completely entertained; I knew that I had just seen a movie that I loved. A movie that was funny, silly, sarcastic, well written, and at parts, a full blown tear jerker. All of the actors attached to this film completely excelled, and it really goes to show when you get real talent, both in writing, and in acting, together, you can make something great.
The movie itself is about Juno getting pregnant, and then deciding to give the baby up for adoption. The best, is her balls out attitude about the whole situation, where she clearly puts up the wall to mask her true pain in her decision. The exchange between Ellen Page (who plays Juno) and everyone else in the film is full of humor, but it is also filled with a sense of maturity that you probably wouldn’t see in someone her age. However, it is definitely refreshing, and completely entertaining.
I only have one small gripe with this film. As much praise as I have heard about almost every actor in this picture, I have seen very little said about the amazing performance that Jennifer Garner gave in the movie. I totally echo what my buddy Popmuse said; I am surprised that there was no praise for her, and no nomination for best supporting actress or anything. There are moments in this movie where Jennifer Garner just gives a look, and it completely speaks every layer of emotion that her character is dealing with. It is impressive. She is also responsible for me almost all out crying during this film in several points; her emotion is just so believable. That’s what acting is about, too, isn’t it? Hence, my surprise that she is barely mentioned with regards to her performance. Either way, the film is great, and I am just glad that she was able to do what she did in it; even if there are only a few of us that are truly thankful.
I think that Juno would be my number one movie of 2007; that is, if I had seen it in 2007 (we saw it this past weekend). However, I do have to say that Hot Fuzz definitely would be a direct contender, as it is no secret that I totally love that movie (it’s a personal favorite of mine); and I did see it in 2007, when it came out. Overall, Juno is exactly the type of movie that warms your heart for the wrong reasons, makes you laugh hysterically at awkward situations, and totally rips your heart out of your chest just when you start to think that you have convinced yourself that this is just a movie. Amazing movie going experience, one that deserves a full five out of five stars. I will be buying this on DVD the day it comes out, if anyone wants to come over and experience some movie greatness with me. I have a strong feeling that this movie will easily become a favorite of mine.
Rating: 