Juno (A Second Take)

A very clever light hearted comedy.

A lot has been said of the writing (which I have to agree with most of except). But along with all that, the movie is very cohesive in tone with the music, acting and directing all working in unison to create memorable and consistent experience.

That being said, this movie is about the writing which is top notch. I disagree with many that call the writing realistic (how many peoples parents would be that cool with something like that) but I would call it incredibly natural. The acting contributes a huge amount to that as well.

The music is cute and fitting and maintains the light tone throughout.

All in all, an enjoyable hour and a half even if not profound in any way.

Score: 3 orange tic-tacs (out of 5)

A witty womb of words:

"That ain't no etch-a-sketch. This is one doodle that can't be un-did, homeskillet."

Diablo Cody wrote the witty dialogue

Jason Reitman directed the witty dialogue

Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman said the witty dialogue

Juno

This script is so terrifically written that choosing a quote to put in my review was near impossible and the very cause of this delay!

In this cross between Knocked Up and Garden State, Ellen Page embodies Juno so naturally and in a manner mature beyond her years, making her so utterly endearing that you can't help but love her and smile at her antics, no matter how irresponsibly "sexually active" she may be. As well as Garner, whose relative fame not once retracts from the rest of the cast, the supporting cast sports a couple of Arrested Development alumni; Bateman and Cera complement Page's acting so well, reminding us that good acting is not exclusive to endless tears, risqué sex scenes or a portrayal of a deranged cannibal. The ending? Satisfying. With a kick-ass soundtrack and its own quirky nuances (hamburger phone?), this movie never ventures into preachy. There are no good guys, no bad guys: it's all just real guys.

Concession of choice: Your weight in Sunny D.

Score: 9.5/10 (reluctant to give tens...)

A smatter of chatter:

"How did you even generate enough pee for three pregnancy tests? That's amazing..."

"I don't know, I drank like, ten tons of Sunny D... Anyway dude, I'm telling you I'm pregnant and you're acting shockingly cavalier."

"Is this for real? Like, for real for real?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Oh my GOD. Oh shit! Phuket, Thailand!"

"There we go. That was kind of the emotion that I was searching for on the first take."

Diablo Cody made everyone sound witty, Jason Reitman told them where to stand, sit and have sex, Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman & co. made it real.