Juno: The little film that could

There's been a lot of discussion going on in the offices of Auteur lately, and it centers around one of 2007’s surprise box office and critically acclaimed smashes, Juno.

You see, my 30 something (nearly 40, I’ve been told, although he doesn’t look a day over 39!) editor was not enraptured with this quirky, often engaging film. Dealing with the subject matter of teen pregnancy, he saw it through the lens of being a father, having a daughter, and imagining himself in the title character’s parents’ shoes. Granted, some of Juno MacDuff’s dialogue is sassy at best, downright disrespectful at worse, and today's youth probably don't need that to mimic.

But this little mouse of a movie, that has roared both at the box office and with the Academy, receiving 4 noms and taking home the Best Original Screenplay gong, has certainly struck a chord, no matter how you look at it, and hopefully, been the impetus for much dinner table discussion between parents and teens.

I can see my editor’s point though, about the suitability of Juno, and I can appreciate his sensitivity. And yes, I agree with him that they could have toned down the dialogue considerably, and been less assumptive about 17 year olds' sexual awareness. But in the end, the movie attempts to demonstrate that decisions have consequences, and sometimes with no escape, and the subsequent pain of living with one’s decisions, being brave in the process, and trying to do the right thing in the end. Whether they hit the mark for teens is what my editor and I debated the most.

The story is about a highschool Junior, Juno MacGuff, who gets pregnant and decides to give the baby up for adoption. The story line is just that simple, no special effects, horror scenes or shooting rampages, just a pregnant teen and the decisions she has to make.

If going to see this movie, my feeling is that it should be seen by teenagers WITH their parents. It may very well be a discussion starter about a subject most kids are touched by in some degree these days, whether as parents we like that or not. There are some mature scenes due to the topic of the movie, and there are some scenes that really fall into the Audience Alliance 'if only' category, and the PG-13 rating is deserved. It might deal with the taboo of teen pregnancy, but it is one film that tries hard to address the problem in a graceful way. Viewers will need to decide whether it achieves that or not.

As we are transported into Juno’s rapidly complicating life, and faced with a very unexpected pregnancy, she considers terminating. She decides to go to an abortion clinic and on her way in, a schoolmate is outside protesting. Once inside Juno has a change of heart and walks out, realizing that an abortion wasn't right. The look on the schoolmate’s face is priceless, when she realizes her protesting actually worked.

Juno is not trying to glorify teen pregnancy, but also seems to skim over the harsh realities of life for the expectant teen mother. Whilst it shows a girl learning from her choices and not running away from her mistakes, it also misses a full disclosure of the agony that this situation creates. It does however, demonstrate a positive approach and attitude from Juno's parents as they receive the shocking news, which is admirable. But as for teaching the youth how to avoid the situation in the first place, it remains silent. But even so, there are lessons to be learned from Juno that are definitely needed today.

This film was original to say the least. The dialogue was witty, but often confronting. The characters were genuine and situations heavily tinged with reality. Ellen Page, who plays Juno, did way more than just deliver dialogue, and was nominated for an Oscar in the best actress category for her efforts. Other supporting players also carried off their portrayals honestly and often admirably, with special mention to Jason Bateman.

The film, which has grossed more than $100 million and benefited from the Oscar-nomination bubble, ended up taking home an Oscar for Original Screenplay. Not too bad for a little film that thought it could.


*****This was a review written for an uber conservative film company*****

Graduation

I promise I didn't forget about my blog, I just got a wee bit caught up in things going on. I graduated from the University of Utah on May 2, 2008 in Mass Communication - Public Relations. It was awesome. Honestly, if you ever get a chance to graduate from college, participate in your commencement ceremony and graduation activities. I don't think that it would be real that I am a college graduate if I hadn't. The Nobel Prize winner: Mario Capecchi spoke (I am not sure how to spell his last name). It was one of the best things I have ever done. Now I think I'll move on to a master...in what I am still not sure. I think I'll get some work experience first.
Also graduating isn't all about my accomplishments, rather the help, friendship and guidance from my family, friends and teachers. I couldn't have done it without everyone that helped me when times were rough. So thanks you for your help and especially for your love, you know who you are!