Juno (2007)

This review contains spoilers.

Juno, directed by Jason Reitman and released in 2007, introduces us to Juno MacGuff, an unconventional young woman who finds herself pregnant by her friend and secret admirer, Paulie Bleeker. This unplanned pregnancy leads Juno on a journey that tests her strength, character, and maturity.

Living in Elk River, Minnesota, Juno initially contemplates having an abortion after finding out about her pregnancy. She visits a local clinic run by a women's group, but a schoolmate's lone anti-abortion protest outside the clinic makes her reconsider. After some thought, Juno decides to go down a different path and give the baby up for adoption.

With the help of her friend Leah, she sifts through the Pennysaver ads to find a suitable home for the unborn child. Juno finds a childless couple, Mark and Vanessa Loring, who seem like the perfect fit. After discussing and revealing her decision to her supportive father, Mac, and stepmother, Bren, she and Mac meet the Lorings at their lavish Saint Cloud home, agreeing to a closed adoption.

Juno and Mark, who has put his rock band days behind him and now composes commercial jingles from home, find common ground in their shared love for punk rock and horror films. However, Mark's interest in Juno soon turns inappropriate, crossing a line that should never be crossed.

Reflecting on Juno 15 years after its release, it's disconcerting to read comments from now-adult viewers who didn't recognize the inappropriateness of Mark's interest in Juno when they first watched the film as teenagers. It's alarming that young viewers couldn't grasp the severity of a 35-year-old man wanting to spend time with a 16-year-old girl. The nuanced portrayal of such a delicate issue in Juno serves as a stark reminder of the importance of educating and guiding young minds to recognize and understand inappropriate behavior. The movie's lasting impact and relevance underline the importance of its message, even years after its release.



You should not watch Juno if...

• You are uncomfortable with discussions and depictions of teen pregnancy.
• You are not a fan of movies that focus heavily on dialogue and character development.
• You prefer action-packed or special effects heavy movies.
• You find it difficult to relate to characters that are high school students.
• The movie is not recommended for viewers below the age of 13 due to its mature themes.

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with Juno? I mean, here you have a 16-year-old girl who can handle an unplanned pregnancy with more maturity than most adults can handle a trip to the DMV!

And she does all this while maintaining a dialogue that sounds like it was written by a beat poet on a skateboard.

And then there's the parents, who are surprisingly cool about the whole thing. If my kid came home and said they were pregnant, I'd need a full bottle of of wine and xanax to decompress.

And don't get me started on the hamburger phone... I mean, who even has a landline anymore? And if you're going to have one, why not make it something fun, like a pickle or a donut? But a hamburger? I guess if you're in a pickle, you might as well call someone on a hamburger.

People who loved this movie also loved...
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

This quirky, heartfelt film about a dysfunctional family's cross-country trip for a children's beauty pageant has the same offbeat humor and emotional depth found in Juno. Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris do an excellent job balancing comedy and drama.

Lady Bird (2017):

Directed by Greta Gerwig, this movie centers around a rebellious young woman navigating the challenges of adulthood and her tumultuous relationship with her mother. It has similar coming-of-age themes and witty dialogue as seen in Juno.

Easy A (2010):

Featuring Emma Stone in the lead role, this movie is about a high school girl who uses the school's rumor mill to her advantage. Like Juno, it deals with teenage sexuality and societal norms, while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016):

This is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that portrays the ups and downs of adolescence, narrated from the perspective of a high school girl. Similar to Juno, it manages to weave humor into serious scenarios without belittling the protagonist's struggles.

Boyhood (2014):

Richard Linklater's this extraordinary film is shot over 12 years with the same cast. It focuses on the growing years of a young boy and his relationships with his family, bringing the same realness and authenticity found in Juno. If you liked the depth and evolution of characters in Juno, this would be an engaging watch.

The Spectacular Now (2013):

Dealing with similar themes of adolescence, growing up, and love, director James Ponsoldt serves a story where two teens fall in love and learn about the responsibilities that come with it. With its thorough character development and cohesive storyline, fans of Juno would appreciate this film.

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