"Like the city in Alaska?" Not quite, but "Juno," starring Ellen Page and Michael Cera, is a film every romantic comedy enthusiast should see. Even though 2007 produced such films like "Waitress" and "Knocked Up," portraying women bearing unwanted offspring, "Juno" is arguably the finest and most eloquent of its competition. The film, which revolves around a sarcastic and sassy teenager named Juno MacGuff, is about a 16-year-old girl who gets pregnant and makes a tough decision to have the baby. However, she eventually finds adoptive parents to raise the child.
"Juno" has received encouraging reviews and grossed almost $52 million in its first month of release. Coming out of nowhere, as "Little Miss Sunshine" did in 2006, "Juno" was produced on a budget of $2.5 million. Because of this, "Juno" did not receive the advertising or publicity as such films like "I Am Legend," which was mediocre at best. Although "Juno" is finally starting to catch the eyes of American viewers, there is more to the film than two teenagers who decide to have sex on an old brown chair when they are bored. They did it once, but it was clearly enough.
Directed by Jason Reitman ("Thank You for Smoking"), "Juno" flows extraordinarily well with a screenplay that is clever, subtle and written to perfection. Everything said in the film is worth listening to. In addition, the characters, such as Juno's boyfriend, Paulie Bleeker, are an invigorating breath of fresh air as is Juno's relationship with her parents, who surprisingly support their humorous daughter.
Over Winter Break I had the chance to see "Juno" twice, where I learned a few life lessons. First, "Juno" is not a political film pushing one side of the abortion argument. While Juno contemplates abortion, a personal choice is made to see the pregnancy through. For her, having the baby is the best option mentally and emotionally. Ultimately deciding to not terminate the pregnancy, Juno tells her parents. Her parents' reactions are invaluable. I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing two parents who authentically love and respect their child's decision.
Though "Juno" will not have the audience laughing uncontrollably, Juno's parents provide witty jokes to a typically serious and sticky situation. Teasing their daughter on the hardships of pregnancy and the consequences of her decision, Juno's parents provide concern that is unusual to most parents. "Juno" shows the countless ways in which love can be exhibited, in this case: warmth and compassion.
The film also reinforces the idea of strong will, self-control and the strength of character. Juno, who is comfortable that she is not like everyone else, portrays a strong female character - one who refuses to let the pregnancy devastate her life. Juno takes full responsibility for her actions.
It's clear early on in the film Juno doesn't have her entire life in order.
But who does?
At times naive, she looks to her parents for guidance. Despite not knowing what type of girl she is, Juno's maturity level is remarkably outstanding. She may not be "the brightest light in the tanning booth," but Juno owns up to her decisions.
Ultimately, "Juno" is based on a personal choice made from a gut feeling. Juno could have gone through with an abortion, but she decided not to. The pregnancy may have taken a lot out of her, but I believe the experience was well worth the hardship. Life is precious, and in the end, Juno understands that it is one's attitude, good or bad, which will determine how a situation unfolds. The situation Juno put herself into unfolded quite nicely for the unpredictable and unplanned situation that it was.
Jason Marer is a sophomore social studies education major. He writes 'Think to exist' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Jason at jsmarer@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
