First time screenwriters (or even screen writing hopefuls) can take notes in how well expressed the wording is here (and how obscure pop culture references can still be funny), and just how greatly written the film is.
Its gradual depth does not go unnoticed, and as the film packs into its most dramatic scenes, it really becomes apparent that Cody has a great sense of how to write really well. While the start of the film feels a little forced with its witty and sarcastic banter, the film gradually progresses into a very fair balance of hilarity and drama. I was a little apprehensive at wanting to jump on the bandwagon of praising her, but the script is truly wonderful. But for how great the cast was, what I was really anticipating was the screenplay, by current sensation Diablo Cody. Simmons and Allison Janney round out the cast, lending the film some of its deeply funny and dramatic moments as Juno's parents, and relative newcomer Olivia Thirlby does very well as Juno's best friend. His shy teenage chemistry with Page is astounding, and helps give the film its greatest moments of heartfelt drama. While not as commanding as he was in Superbad, Michael Cera, as the father of Juno's baby, gives his character a glossy sense of naivety as the film begins, but slowly falls into a grander sense of geeky goodness as the film goes on. She gives the role a slightly creepy tinge in a few cases, but for the most part, delivers one of her best performances. While Bateman taps into his not so over-the-top side (which he used to his great advantage in scene-stealing roles in Smokin' Aces and The Ex), and gives a great character performance, Garner does even better as the over-domineering wife. Garner and Bateman, while not as well written as Page, do great as the would-be adoptive parents. Supporting turns from just about everyone only further complement Page's terrific acting.
And in seeing Juno, I now know that she truly will continue to grow into a great actress. After seeing her intense, calculating and downright terrifying work in Hard Candy, I knew that she would be a presence to be reckoned with. She plays it even better during the more hormonal aspects of the pregnancy, and she makes her undeniable mark on the movie-going public as she does.
She is very in tune with the role, and even though it is not wholly original, she makes it her own and gives it a grand sense of earnestness (and pathos when needed). She plays Juno with a chip on her shoulder, and a keen sense of tongue in cheek.
Her work here is simply astounding, and watching her mature as the film goes on is the stuff of movie magic. This is aided almost exclusively by the commanding presence of Page. It progresses through the stages of her pregnancy (and the seasons that pass), and through the various problems and issues that arise as a result of the pregnancy. It may not sound like a deep film, but right from moment one, the film draws you into Juno's bizarre world of teenage angst and wonderment. After deciding to not have an abortion, Juno decides that she will give the baby up for adoption to would-be parents Vanessa and Mark Loring (Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman) after finding an ad in the local classified section of the newspaper. Juno chronicles the story of the titular sixteen-year-old girl (played by Ellen Page), and the fallout of her accidental pregnancy. And the wait definitely made it worthwhile.
Everyone has raved about it for months, and I waited patiently for it to be released somewhere nearby. Following all of the hype, it was impossible for me to not want to see Juno.