Juno

While maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, "Juno" is a great independent movie with excellent performances throughout. If nothing else, Ellen Page (already a Golden Globe nominee) makes a name for herself doing an amazing job as the lead character.

Juno (Page) is an intelligent high school junior who has to deal with her pregnancy after having sex with her best friend Bleeker (Michael Cera). Not wanting to have an abortion, but also realizing that she is too young to handle the responsibility of parenthood, Juno decides to give the baby up for adoption to a family of her choosing. After finding Mark and Vanessa (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner), a wealthy suburban couple looking for a baby of their own, in the Penny Saver ads, Juno breaks the news to her parents. All of this happens within the first 20 minutes of the movie.

Half of the story revolves around Juno and how she deals with her family, her friends, and her increasing size. The other half focuses on her developing relationship with Mark and Vanessa, and on the relationship between the two parents-to-be. Just when Juno thinks she has found the perfect couple, Mark begins to reveal some chinks in their armor. This only adds to Juno's conflicting emotions over her growing attachment to the baby growing inside her.

There is nothing sugary or "special moment"ish about the story. Juno is an independent girl who knows that her actions have consequences. Whether by being disarmingly funny or soft and touching, Ellen Page plays her to perfection. Jennifer Garner is also very effective as the young woman longing to be a mother. While this is mainly a comedy with quirks, don't go in thinking that, because of Cera's presence, this is going to be "Superbad".

"Juno" is a unique movie with a special feel. While it's not a mainstream event, don't be afraid to check it out. I give it an A.

"Juno" is rated PG-13 with a running time of 91 minutes.