The best coming of age film I have seen in a long time (Juno (DVD))

Member Name: gingerella

Product:	Juno (DVD)
Date:	16/06/09 (31 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It has depth without depressing

Disadvantages: The way teens talk like Woody Allen may grate at points

The film is split into four parts - autumn, winter, summer and spring. Through the passing of these seasons we get to learn more about the Juno (Ellen Page) of the title who slinks onto the screen as a foul-mouthed unapologetic 15 year old who has just found out she is pregnant. She decides there's no way she and her friend Bleeker (Michael Cera) are ready to be parents so (after deciding she can't go through with an abortion) adoption seems like the answer. She spots an advert placed by Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) & Mark (Jason Bateman) ,an affluent couple who can't have children, and sees it as the answer to her problems.

Your disbelief will have to be suspended somewhat when the film starts as the teenage characters talk in that self-aware, grown-up fashion favoured by Dawson's Creek and the O.C. But just like Shakespeare or Trainspotting, once you get into the story you don't really notice that the characters are talking in a different way.

Page's performance was outstanding - she played the crass naive beginning and gradual maturing of Juno in an understated and believable way. Cera was equally low key yet authentic in his role as her friend. I found Garner's character to have an emotional depth I have not seen in her other films. It was a difficult role to get right but I feel she conveyed well the sadness and desperation of her character. The entire supporting cast added a mixture of humour and plausibility to the story too.

There are films you want to rent and films you want to own and this falls into the latter category in my view. I can imagine watching this a few times and still finding more layers to uncover. It's a coming of age film which steers clear of cheesy clichés,

The achingly cool soundtrack (including the Moldy Peaches, Belle & Sebastian and Sonic Youth) will add a further dimension to the film to those who like the indie side of music.

This film is a 15 and because of the frank way the characters talk I wouldn't think it's suitable for anyone younger.

Summary: Great film that has it all - great story, great cast and great soundtrack