Juno is This Year's Underdog
By Amanda S. Coleman
Every once in a while, a movie comes out that everyone just can't stop talking about. The immense popularity is sometimes no surprise, such as for a big-budget, highly anticipated film like "Spiderman 3." But occasionally, lesser-known movies, with small budgets, can achieve underdog status and become huge hits.
This year, the heartwarming comedy "Juno," has attained this position. It was directed by Jason Reitman, and written by Diablo Cody. It stars: Oscar-nominated actress Ellen Page and Michael Cera of "Arrested Development" and "Superbad" fame. "Juno" is about a pregnant teenager's unusual decision regarding what to do with her baby. This film is not at all preachy though. There are no cliqued warnings about how horrible teen pregnancy is. It doesn't glorify it either though. It's really just a slightly funnier version of real life.
Juno decides to give her baby up for adoption when she finds out she's pregnant, after weighing her options. But the solution doesn't work out as perfectly as she initially thinks. The couple she decides to give her baby to have problems of their own, and Juno is also having trouble finding out how to deal with the baby's father.
So what makes the movie so popular? The honesty and realism. The characters don't look like glamorous movie stars, but rather just like regular people you might run into on the street.
The Associated Press article "Juno's Oscar Ascent Complete with 4 Noms" from January 22nd, by Jake Coyle, said that the movie has grossed $78.2 million, the most lucrative of all of this year's Oscar best picture nominees. The film cost only $7.5 million to make, according to the Associated Press article. The film was nominated for four Oscars total. It was nominated for Achievement in Directing, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Motion Picture of the Year. Ellen Page was also nominated for best performance by an actress in a leading role.
The soundtrack has also earned acclaim. The earnest indie music fits perfectly with the off-beat comedy, and is a huge hit among the public. It is currently the #1 selling CD on iTunes, and features music from artists such as Kimya Dawson and Belle and Sebastian.
The issue of pregnancy in movies, especially in less "socially acceptable" situations has become more mainstream recently. The hit 2007 movie "Knocked Up," starring Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen, revolves around a pregnancy after a drunken one night stand. As time goes on, society seems to be slightly more tolerant of more liberal concepts like pre-marital sex and pregnancy, in movies.
There are also excellent supporting characters in "Juno." Jennifer Garner is the neurotic wife and Jason Bateman is her not-quite-ready-to-be-a-dad husband. Allison Janney and J.K. Simmons are Juno's fairly understanding and comical parents, and Olivia Thirlby is her amusing and loyal best friend, Leah.
The dialogue is witty and clever, but doesn't try so hard that it sounds forcibly funny.
"Juno" appeals to a wide range of ages, from pre-teens to adults, because of its honesty, good writing, and humor. The movie really is worth the buzz it has created.
