Juno

A clear victory of form over content. Thanks to Jason Reitman's fine direction, a nice atmosphere and a perfect Ellen Page in the lead role, there's really no need to dwell on what Juno is actually about, but more importantly how well it is made. Besides, who can penetrate today the soul of an adolescent without turning it into vulgar and uninteresting schlock?... As a comedy it may not be very funny, as a drama it’s not very appealing, but as a mix of both it is a very remarkable and easygoing film whose name in the Oscar winners' column is not a disgrace. (21/06/2012)

I don't think I've seen a better comedy about an (un)wanted pregnancy yet. Diablo Cody wrote a clever screenplay that simply had no flaws, and Ellen Page admirably portrayed the slightly eccentric protagonist, with it being worth noting that all involved supported her excellently. The overall positive atmosphere of the film was also contributed to by a fine soundtrack, which I would gladly listen to again. (85%) (29/07/2021)

I think the movie accurately describes a real 15-year-old girl who does what she has to do when she gets pregnant. The movie doesn't intrude or try to hijack the viewer with the American movie "stereotype". It doesn't have the usual situation where Juno realizes she wants a baby (...blah, blah, blah). The film is good, hence the 3.5 stars. And Reitman disappointed me a bit... (19/10/2010)

Juno is a comedy that moves in the well-established waters of the American mainstream from beginning to end. In Europe, creators would either turn a similar theme into a fateful drama or at most a bittersweet tragicomedy, but Jason Reitman made a pleasant and relaxed film about unpleasant things. He carefully smoothed out all potential edges, so the protagonist, who discovers a fateful problem in the form of an unwanted pregnancy, has a great understanding father, a stepmother who surprisingly - in this world - understands more than her own mother, an excellent friend to confide in and never be alone because of her, and ultimately a nice guy with whom she intends to build a meaningful relationship despite the initial obstacle. The more I think about the plot and subject it to critical analysis, the more I realize that it's only worth three stars when it comes to the content. All potentially unpleasant conflicts are retouched in advance. Just as an example, when Juno decides to have an abortion, she doesn't encounter a group of outraged, bigoted, and hostile protesters, as is common in America, but a hesitant, comically looking classmate who obviously doesn't protest of her own will, and the whole scene ends with a humorous dialogue. What elevates the film above the average are precisely the witty dialogues and a series of lines that cleverly move the plot forward and, even though I'm no longer a teenager, I think they capture the perspective of adolescents well. Especially Ellen Page's excellent performance in the lead role as a sassy, wild teenager is irresistible. The film also features very listenable music, and the opening credits with animation are interesting. Although this comedy has several weaknesses, I really enjoyed it and left the movie theater with a pleasant feeling. Overall impression 90%. (22/10/2008)

one of those beautiful films about life with interesting characters on all fronts, with whom you can quite successfully identify. Excellently selected actors who deliver authentic performances, don't overact, don't rush unnecessarily and together create a functioning group that you simply enjoy watching. There have been quite a few similar films lately. (18/03/2014)