Production Company: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Director: Jason Reitman
Cast: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons, Olivia Thirlby, Rainn Wilson, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner
Rating: PG-13 for some crude language and sexual situations

By Gregg Tubbs

(UMC.org)—This review comes with a warning: No matter how hard I try, I may use the word “sweet” more often than good writing rules recommend. Then again, Juno itself is a rule-breaker. It's a rib tickling comedy about a serious subject—teen pregnancy—that manages to be both youthfully sweet and worldly wise without heavy moralizing, and lands on a happy ending that should settle well with people of faith. The film bounces along with some of the snappiest, rapid-fire repartee this side of an old screwball comedy, all wrapped up in a warming air of sweetness.

A lot of people are calling Juno this year’s Little Miss Sunshine or Sideways, but in all fairness to those fine films, Juno tops them all. It is the indie masters' thesis. “Fresh” is a word we hear a lot when a newcomer arrives, usually a young writer or director, who ruffles conventions and lets some fresh air into the stale media market. The smart, brash team behind Juno threw all the windows wide open and let in a refreshing cross-breeze that mixes young love, deadpan comedy, sophisticated observations and old-fashioned sentimentality in a way that remains real—and yes, sweet.

Although they are mature in many ways, Juno (Ellen Page) and Paulie (Michael Cera), the baby's father, are still just kids and in way over their heads. Copyright © 2007 Fox
Searchlight Pictures.

Juno (Ellen Page) is a bright, wise-cracking and 16-year-old who lives in an unnamed middleclass neighborhood. In the droll opening, Juno storms into the local pharmacy restrooms after chugging a whole jug of Sunny D to take a pregnancy test. But this test, just like all the previous ones, is positive. True to teenage form, she first tells her best friend and then Paulie (Michael Cera), the baby’s father. He agrees she must do something and observes in perfect teenage deadpan, “because...pregnancy often results in an infant.” Juno agrees, saying “that’s what happens when our moms or teachers get pregnant.” Exchanges like this show screenwriter Diablo Cody’s keen understanding of the lingering innocence of adolescent. Although they are mature in many ways, Juno and Paulie are still just kids who find themselves in way over their heads.

After a fateful and funny encounter with a pro-life schoolmate outside an abortion clinic ("Fingernails? The baby already has fingernails?"), Juno decides to “keep the spawn” and goes home to face her parents. This scene proves to be another comic gem, as Juno’s similarly deadpan father (J.K. Simmons) and stepmother (Allison Janney) take in the news. Sweetness again prevails as her unexpectedly understanding folks offer forgiveness, support and even a little rueful humor.

In another moment that shows an uncanny understanding that adolescence is a unique, in-between state, Juno’s father gently chides her, “I thought you were the kind of girl who knew when to say when.” And she replies, “I have no idea what kind of girl I am.” The scene, which could have been a traumatic shouting match, is instead a testament to parental love and forgiveness (and again, sweetness).

When Juno (Ellen Page) asks her father, “Can two people ever stay happy together?” Her wise old dad (J.K. Simmons) replies, “Find a person who loves you for who you are.”Copyright © 2007 Fox Searchlight Pictures.

With nine months ahead, Juno, Paulie, and her parents have a lot to do and decide. Do they keep the baby or give it up for adoption? What awaits the ever enlarging Juno at school (called “The Cautionary Whale” by snide classmates)? How will she find suitable adoptive parents? (And can you trust prospective parents who advertise in the Pennysaver?) And what about Juno and Paulie? As Juno muses, "I know people are supposed to fall in love before they reproduce, but normalcy's not really our style."

Juno's humor is tart but never too sharp or hurtful. Though its teenage slang is authentically frank, even crude, it avoids gratuitous obscenity and rings true to anyone who’s just been there, or (like me) is raising a teenager. And the film shows a remarkable understanding of teens. They are, after all, “still in the oven” and will make foolish decisions—even the best of them.

What’s most surprising about Juno is that it’s not just a film about teenage pregnancy. Teen pregnancy is almost a plot device to explore its real themes—commitment and lasting love. Juno’s mother walked out when she was young, and we see relationships touched by uncertainty throughout the film. The yuppie couple who want to adopt the baby show troubling cracks in their perfect couple façade. Juno’s dad sees his second marriage as a lucky second chance. And Juno and Paulie aren’t yet sure if they even have a relationship. When Juno implores, “Is it possible for two people to stay happy together forever?” Her wise old dad replies, “Find a person who loves you for exactly what you are.”

Juno is a little miracle of a film about treasuring life; finding true love and, most importantly, someone who will stick with you. And did I mention that it’s sweet?

Study Questions

Did you have any apprehension about seeing a film about teen pregnancy? Do you think it's appropriate to treat the subject as a comedy? Is Juno really a comedy?

Juno explains why her father named her Juno. Does her name fit her personality?

Why do you think Juno chose not to have an abortion? Do you agree with her reasoning? Do you care that Christian faith was not part of her motivation?

Do you think Juno’s anti-abortion classmate affected her decision? Was her character treated fairly in the film or was she simply subject to the same irreverent humor as the rest of the characters?

What are your personal feelings about abortion? Has the issue touched your life in any way? How did your faith factor in the situation?

Do you think Juno should have kept the baby? Should she and Paulie have gotten married or do you agree that they were too young and ill-equipped?

What did you think of the yuppie couple who wanted the baby? Did your opinion change about them as the film progressed?

Did you predict what was in Juno’s note to Vanessa? Did you agree with Juno’s decision?

Juno’s parents were very forgiving and supportive. Do you agree with their approach? Would you have expected more outrage? In the same circumstances, how would you react?

Commitment is one of the major themes of the film. Who in the film showed real commitment? Who did not? Who and what are you committed to? Does God expect our commitment? Is God committed to us?