English-Language Cinema in Madrid - Juno
Juno - Never Judge a Movie by its Super Stupid Poster
There’s been a lot of hype (internationally) over the film “Juno” - hype that I completely ignored the minute I saw the poster. Pregnant teenage girl, head-scratching teenage boy – yes, accuse me of judging the film by its cover – it was enough for me to dismiss any possibility of watching it...
Ellen Page in "Juno"
Movie Review:
Juno – A Serious Comedy
Abha Malpani
Cine Yelmo Ideal
Calle Dr. Cortezo, 6
Metro Sol/Tirso de Molina
There’s been a
lot of hype (internationally) over the film “Juno” - hype that I completely
ignored the minute I saw the poster. Pregnant teenage girl, head-scratching
teenage boy – yes, accuse me of judging the film by its cover – it was enough
for me to dismiss any possibility of watching it. Anyway, a random impulse on a
fine Sunday morning possessed me to go and I’m so glad I did!
Set in Minneapolis, the film’s
storyline is nothing new: irresponsible sex with virgin high-school friend
leads to unwanted pregnancy of 16-year old, punk-rock, tomboy Juno [Ellen Page].
Her first impulse is to abort but she gets grossed out by her local abortion clinic
that distributes free flavored-condoms and decides to give the baby up for
adoption instead. She finds a “cool” adoptive couple in the local Penny Saver and so the film moves
forward to portray her dealing with pregnancy and its effect [over trimesters]
on the people in her life.
The circumstances
are portrayed in a way far less melodramatic than expected: parents [J.K.
Simmons and Allison Janey] are super-understanding, boyfriend [Michael Cera
from “Superbad”] is sympathetic and wants to date post delivery, and best
friend [Olivia Thirlby] gives her unconditional support.
Juno also builds distant
yet empathetic bond with Jennifer Garner who plays the conventional, rich and
uptight, “I was born to be a mother” type wife, and a unique relationship with
the “would-be” father [Jason Bateman] - something that causes the couple’s
marriage issues to surface.
Despite the
straight-forward, no-surprises story, what makes it worth watching is Ellen Page
and her ability to carry through Diablo Cody’s [29-year old stripper-turned-blogger-turned-scriptwriter]
phenomenal, punchy script in a way that lets the humor take away the emotional
lump the story warrants.
Juno’s
frighteningly intelligent, independent and humorous spirit is heart-warming as
it covers the naivety of being a teenager. Her vulnerability slashes through this carefully
constructed façade on occasion showcasing Page’s subtlety and range.
What also stands
out about the film is its community “close-to-home” rather than Hollywood feel. The film’s locations in suburban Minnesota could
represent anyone’s backyard, and the family portrayed has elements common to
most middle-class families in the world. This is what lets you connect with the
characters on various emotional levels resulting in countless outbursts of
laughter and occasional teary moments.
All in all, the
big picture of the film is the fact that it’s possible to encounter unexpected,
messy, and possibly disastrous situations at any age. The film is pro-adulthood
as it reinforces the obligation of taking responsibility for your actions and
dealing with them with an undying spirit. The message is that you have the
solution to all your problems and whether you are 16 or 56, you don’t have to
let all hell break loose.
I left the film
with a broad smile: light-headed and moved at the same time.
---Published 2008-02-16
