High five, Diablo Cody. Juno's script is the core of it's success as both a comedy and a portrayal of teenage pregnancy. It's fast, witty and crammed with sarcasm and colloquial language. The lines give just enough insight into Juno's head for her character to develop convincingly, endorsing a naturally spontaneous, outrageous attitude. However, no script can carry a project on it's back the whole way. The other elements that make Juno: cast, Ellen Page is outstanding - she acts sixteen immaculately, uses body language and facial expression and is in every way the cool alternative kid. Michael Cera doesn't disappoint either. He is my favourite geek of all time and when Juno tells him "You're the coolest person I know and you don't even have to try." you don't doubt she means it. His response, "Actually, I try really hard." is delivered with spot on sincerity. It makes comfortable watching.
Script and cast aside; the soundtrack is full of cheerful, acoustic tracks. Mixing country-esque tracks with indie numbers strummed by child-like singers and post-punk tunes you'd probably be able to hum along to, is made to sound good. Put to the story of a girl who just gets on with things and the bump that wouldn't go away, it brings out the positive tone of the film at the same time as reminding you that Juno and Paulie are just sixteen years old. To top it off, Ellen Page and Michael Cera strum their own addition to the soundtrack, which impressively they sing themselves. That's what gives Juno it's edge, the realism.
I've heard criticisms of Juno regarding the plot, script etc. because apparently teenage pregnancy is all family arguments, boyfriends up and leaving, abortions, crying and general misery. From my experience, I believe that Juno is an accurate portrayal of how a sixteen year old girl might cope with discovering she's pregnant. Two of my friends from college have had children within the last year and both pregnancies can be compared favorably with Juno's. When they found out they were knocked up, neither of them had a nervous breakdown; they might not have been to happy about it but they kept their heads and now have two beautiful babies to show for nine months of pregnancy - the same nine months that any pregnant woman goes through. Perhaps Juno is such a hit with me because it reminds me how one of my friends especially was incredibly matter of fact about the whole thing, and shares the same sharp sarcasm as Juno.
Overall, Juno is worth a watch. If it's your sense of humor and you aren't overly cynical, this will be right up your street, whether you're a spring chicken like myself or much older. It's clever, charming and funny yet still represents teenage girls in a non-judgmental and fair way. While Diablo Cody's next written project looks dire to say the least, I'm excited to see what Ellen Page will surprise us with next.
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