Indie film ‘Juno’ impresses

Very few independent films make the jump from cliquish buzz to nationwide fame like Fox Searchlight’s “Juno.” From the director of “Thank You for Smoking,” Jason Reitman, “Juno” tells a story that reflects its time and also happens to be pretty funny.

An intelligent, sarcastic 16-year-old Juno — named after the wife of Jupiter and not the city in Alaska — as she sharply points out in one scene — finds herself pregnant and confused about her options. Played by breakout actress Ellen Page, Juno is witty and weird but carries the film a long way with her emotion and heart.

In matters of teenage pregnancy, maturity is crucial to making an appropriate decision, but Juno lacks a lot of it. She considers having an abortion after her best friend makes the appointment for her. Because of her awkward waiting room experience, she ultimately decides that she is not the type to go through with an abortion. Instead she opts for adoption.

Michael Cera, from the runaway hit “Superbad,” plays the baby’s clueless father and school track star, Paulie Bleeker. He’s also “the cheese to (Juno’s) macaroni” and takes a hands-off approach to the pregnancy.

On the the other hand, news of Juno’s pregnancy conjures up more than the sound of crickets for her loving father and nagging step-mother. Where someone might expect her parents to go off the deep end, they are understanding and support Juno’s decisions. Her step-mother also defends her honor in an ultra-sound visit deserving of applause. Juno’s family also brings up recurring themes in the movie about love, what families are, and what both love and family are composed of.

Juno’s first encounter with her unborn baby’s adoptive family leads her to believe they are the “perfect couple.” Mark and Vanessa Loring, played by Justin Bateman and Jennifer Garner are wealthy, suburban and good-looking. As her pregnancy progresses she learns the Lorings have their own issues with family and maturity.

“Juno” is not necessarily a film that’s about finding adulthood; it’s rather about making adult decisions. The film is worthy of high praise after being laced with such comedy and intellect and not losing its message at the same time.