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Mayberry Movie Review: "Juno"
Hey guys, another Mayberry Movie Review, and the center of this review will be focused on the film "Juno".
As per usual, the film be divided into three sections. If there are any suggestions, criticisms, discussion, and requests for other films to be reviewed please let me know. As always, if your discussion contains spoilers please indicate so with a label.
At a Glance
Juno is perhaps 2007's, and certainly so far for 2008, best comedy picture. The razor sharp wit, and keen dialog delivered by Diablo Cody's screen writing, entreats the audience to a flat out hilarious, irresistibly smile inducing, and heart warming romantic comedy, that is as unique as the eclectic and wonderfully casted characters are.
Synopsis
Juno MacGuff, played by Ellen Page, is a sixteen year old high school junior with a series problem. And after one gallon jug of "Sunny Delight" and three pregnancy tests later, she finds out; she's pregnant. However, it's not too big of a deal. While considering abortion, to avoid having to confess to her parents, a mild series of events (and a strangely aloof protesting asian classmate) dissuades Juno from going through. Rather than dealing with the sensitive area of abortion, ads for adoptive parents in the Penny Saver is the next best thing.
The ads pay off, and Juno is introduced to Vanessa and Mark Loring, (played by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman respectively) a couple, whom after many years, failed to secure a child of their own. The plan seems simple, keep the baby, have the baby, and give the baby to the couple once it's born.
Yet despite the simplicity of the desired plan, Juno is taken on a ride that proves to be anything but simple. Exploring the realms of high school, friendship, marriage, and the painful process of growing up, Juno MacGruff finds herself in the middle of a lifelong experience that proves to be more than she could ask for.
The Review
Juno, is hands down 2007's best comedy picture, and that assertion is no brag. With a year dominated by Judd Apatow's "Knocked Up" "Superbad" and "Dewey Cox", Diablo Cody's Juno is a screaming and refreshing breath of fresh air.
Though simple in plot, the development of the main character is the central focus of this film. Juno, being the character of main interest. Don't zone out, don't give into fatigue, cause every minute of this film is as relevant as it is delightful. Whether it be interactions with more-than-friends Paulie Bleeker (played by Superbad's Michael Cera) or with her rough and brief Father, we are given a comedy that seems conventional, but the content proves to say otherwise.
Screenwriter Diablo Cody utilizes razor sharp wit, effective use of life life ******, and observational humor to deliver a romantic comedy that is as unique as they come. Unlike Apatow's "Superbad" "Knocked Up" or "Dewey Cox" we are given less coarse and explicit humor, and more refined, contextually relevant humor. Though "Superbad" and "Knocked Up" also share a sense of heart warming emotion, Juno, takes such measures and ultimately makes it the satisfying end of the film.
The audience is entreated to witness Juno MacGruff's journey from practical and socially dense high school girl, to a grown and mature girl who discovers the fragile and real nature of her emotional state. Though at the surface, this film can be taken as a clever and engaging comedy, Juno is so much more, and can only be explained by experiencing this film alone. A review, simply does not do this film justice.
Though this brand of comedy will always have the tendency to repel certain pallets, if you're willing to let your stern and tough guard down, you will be entreated to a film that is both hilarious and razor sharp in its delivery, but also at the same time as emotionally stirring as any serious romance.
Aside from the Coen Brothers' No Country for Old Men, Juno is the best movie that I have seen in a very long time.
-S
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Positive MMA Fan.
Dae Han Min Guk!
Last edited by Soulbane : 01-12-2008 at 10:26 PM.
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