Movie Review: “Juno” lives up to expectations
In what Roger Ebert called the best movie of the year, “Juno” has so far captured audiences worldwide.
For what started out as an independent film, the Christmas Day opening film has gotten plenty of success at the box office.
The film covers a teenage girl (Juno, by Ellen Page) who gets pregnant with a geeky, cross country running boy (Bleeker, by Michael Cera) who is obsessed with orange tic tacs. If you’ve ever seen the show “Arrested Development,” Cera lives up to the a similar act this time around.
“Juno” also features a familiar cast — including Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, J.K. Simmons and Rainn Wilson.
The movie is divided up by seasons, and provides for glimpses into certain events, and major coverage into others. All in all, the film pokes fun of the pregnancy process, and almost makes light of teenagers getting pregnant.
I was surprised to see that “Juno” was rated PG-13, however, as there were certainly some questionable scenes that my mother didn’t appreciate having my 13-year-old sister see.
In conclusion, though, “Juno” makes a great time at the theater. Its awkward moments provide for quite a bit of comedy, and it certainly lived up to what I had expected. It’s not the best film of the year, but it’s definitely worth seeing for its light-hearted comedy and different story line.
Rating: 4/5
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When I went to go see Juno earlier this week I was surprised with how different the film turned out to be than what I had originally anticipated after seeing many previews. I imagined a film completely different than the one I fell in love with earlier this week. I loved the way it was filmed, the constant sarcastic humor displayed by Ellen Page’s character, and the loveable ending. Too many films as of late have been nothing more than disappointing simply because of their endings. Everyone in this film worked wonderfully together, things just seemed to flow perfectly. Juno was simple and that is what I liked so much about it. It didn’t leave you trying figure out crazy plot twists or what was in Bourne and Nicky’s past. I left the Traverse City State Theater with a smile on my face and warm feeling in my heart.
People have been comparing Juno with Napoleon Dynamite but this is only because of how Juno was filmed. Please do not let this comparison steer you away from seeing this film. I just don’t think I can emphasize enough how Juno is not Napoleon Dynamite. I must agree in saying that I also would not take my little sister to see this film until she is older. On the other hand, I feel the scenes that are awkward are that way for everyone, not just thirteen year-olds and that is why they are funny. I must say I was surprised when Juno turned out to be the film I was waiting to see all year without even knowing it. Go see this movie.
Good analysis, Matt. “Juno” was certainly worth seeing, and it was nice to not have to think too hard in a movie for once.
For those wondering, “Juno” is now playing at Celebration Cinema North. Check The Moose for times.
I just saw it tonight at celebration cinema, and I would have to say it is about time! I mean honestly i watched the trailer for this movie when it first came out and was totally psyched, but my overgrown anticipation deflated when I found out it was only showing in limited theaters; i would have to wait. Although i had to wait and endure the pain of being stuck in GR when it was showing in K-zoo, it definitely was AMAZING! Oh the movie would have been better if there was more Rainn Wilson (Dwight from the Office) in the film.