A coming of age story with witts and heart

"Juno"
Starring:Ellen Page,Michael Cera,Jennifer Garner,Jason Bateman,Allison Janney,J.K. Simmons
3.5 stars out of 4

"Juno" is the most heartwarming film of the year, small in scale and large on wits and charm. Director Jason Reitman, who also directed the comedic satire "Thank You for Smoking" brings even more knowledge behind the camera in his second film. This time around the star isnt Reitman, it's debut screenwriter Diablo Cody. Cody's female perspective brings honesty and truth to growing up and being a young teen in today's world. Cody's intelligent script may earn her a best origial screenplay award in February.

Ellen Page whose career will blossom after this film, is nothing short of a miracle in this film. Page who plays the 16 year old "Juno", is big on pop culture dialogue, and quietly prides herself on being witty. Juno MacGuff lives with her father played by the underrated J.K Simmons, her observing stepmom played by Allison Janney, and her younger sister. She recently became sexually active with boyfriend Paulie Bleaker, played by Michael Cera, recently seen in "Superbad." Juno decides a baby is too much for her and seeks a couple that really wants a child. She meets a posh couple played by the elegant Jennifer Garner and her husband played by Jason Bateman. Garner is fabulous in this film, she feels born to be a mother, and wants to know every detail about Juno's pregnancy, the more involved the better. Her husband Mark still watches old movies, and plays music, to her disliking.

All of the characters are relatable making this film honest and heartfelt, Ellen Page's performance is something to admire, she's a young actress who can display actions and emotions of an ageless actress, she's so good you just want to jump through the screen and hug her. The film prides itself on superb dialogue for its generation, screenwriter Cody has a keen ear for the language and slang for the myspace,and blogger generation.

"Juno" never misses a beat, it knows when to be smart,serious,dramatic,and comedic. The whole cast contributes to this coming of age story that cannot be missed. This film will be recognized come Oscar time, I loved this movie.