Entertaining and Clever: Juno

Juno (Advance Screening)
Directed by Jason Reitman
To be released December 5, 2007

This highly anticipated new comedy pretty lives up to all the hype surrounding it. A terrific cast makes for a "Little Miss Sunshine"-esque feature from the director of "Thank You For Smoking". The script by Diablo Cody has received a ton of praise, and it really sparkles with hilarious dialogue and sharp characters. In describing the film, some have said "Think 'Knocked Up', but younger" and that is a fair description of the film. It is just as good, with an even better cast. Ellen Page in particular carries the film with her carefree portrayal of our young pregnant heroine. Michael Cera, J.K. Simmons, Allison Janney, and Jason Bateman make up part of the great ensemble. Jennifer Garner has received lots of buzz for her performance as a wife "desperately seeking spawn" and she does a decent enough job but the role does not substantiate a nomination of any sort. The marketing for this film should help it outdo any box-office predictions, and it is a refreshing thought. This is a heartwarming and inventive comedy that really delivers. Make sure to see this one when it comes out.

B+