I saw "Juno" with friends who were visiting from Santa Barbara over the New Years holiday, but am only now getting around to commenting...There are two things that stick in my mind most about Jason Reitman's new film, "Juno"...Ellen Page and Jason Bateman. Their performances in this smart, touching comedy are two of the very best of this past year. That Bateman didn't get an Oscar nomination is pure injustice.
The film involves a 16-year-old high school student (Juno) who, after experimenting sexually with her best friend Paulie, becomes pregnant - and how Juno deals with family, friends, and life as she carries the baby to term.
She has to tell her parents (played wonderfully by Allison Janney and J.K. Simmons); she decides to terminate the pregnancy, but once at the clinic opts to have the baby; thus giving it up for adoption and choosing the uber-suburban white couple (Bateman and Jennifer Garner) as the lucky parents.
Diablo Cody's script is a masterpiece, crackling with brilliant humor and sharp conversation.
The film is hilarious and hip, and it wouldn't surprise me a bit if it wins the Academy Award for Best Picture (or if Page wins for Best Actress).
