The words ‘quirky’ and ‘delightful’ are ones that seem to frequent my film reviews. This is less the result of my wearing rose colored review glasses and more due to the fact that I do not review all the films I see. However, when a film is this much of a delight to view and is indeed a creative, quirky experience, I cannot help but pull out these old favorites in my description.

When you can walk out of a film and genuinely like every major character in the film and everything about the film it is an incredible experience that strengthens my faith in the medium. Don’t wait until Juno comes out on DVD. Go and see it now so that you can join me on Oscar night, filled with frustration as this marvelous film is overlooked by the Academy of Performing Arts.

Comedies with heart and wit and intelligence are a rarity and this film has all three in spades. Writer Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman have crafted a film that is both aurally and visually splendid. Dialogue, props, sets, costumes, music, performances…they all go together to create layers of depth to what could have been just another throwaway teen comedy. I am unsure exactly where to begin as every aspect of the film is such an important piece of the whole.
Best to start with the cast, I think.

Ellen Page, Michael Cera, J.K. Simmons, Allison Janney, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner…what a fantastic ensemble. Each of these actors, along with incredible performances by second tier characters, point out just what a travesty it is that casting directors don’t get nominated for academy awards. The chemistry between everyone is (oh no, here I go) a delight to witness. Each one, in their own way, make Juno the critically acclaimed film that it is. Ellen Page brings Cody’s dialogue to life with such a perfect blend of sarcasm, sass and sweetness that you cannot help but fall for her immediately. In fact one of the more enjoyable aspects of Juno is that both Juno and her love interest Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera) are so likeable that you root for them the moment they appear on screen. Page proves that she has a bright future ahead of her with a performance that is deliciously sweet and funny. J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney play the kind of parents that every kid would love to have. Most films do nothing more than create a caricature of the family unit at either one end of the spectrum or the other. Juno succeeds at showing a family that has every reason to be dysfunctional being, in fact, a strong and loving and supportive unit. It is quite refreshing to see. And I have to say, if you aren’t falling all over yourself laughing at the opening cameo by The Office‘s Rainn Wilson, then I worry about the state of your funny bone.

Visually Juno is an eclectic pastiche of flea market finds and urban art treasures. I loved seeing posters, etc. from artists that I know either from Spectrum or from comics or from Juxtapoz magazine. One artist whose work is prominent in the film is Tara McPherson, a former Friday Favorite (scroll down to view art). Everything from the items decorating Juno’s room to the clothing choices made by the characters is a visual treat. I sincerely hope for a detailed commentary on the DVD that discusses the writer and director’s influences as I have no doubt that every item in this film has some meaning to them.

Many films use music effectively. Some films transcend the effective use of music and actually create a soundtrack that is a true character in the film. Juno falls into that category. From the opening song to the ending one I found myself hanging on every word. Filled with Indie performances from bands that I have never heard of, the Juno soundtrack is one I will be picking up. Today. It is the kind of soundtrack that reminds me just how truly sheltered I am musically because of cookie-cutter radio stations and a lack of effort put into musical exploration. I want to remedy that, I truly do. Juno is a good start.

Juno is a comedy with heart. I laughed. Oh my did I ever laugh. But I cried too. It is a touching feel-good film that avoids being saccharine, avoids so many of the cliches of romantic comedies, and yet leaves you with a genuinely good feeling. Juno is a movie about teen pregnancy that doesn’t glorify or vilify teens who find themselves in this predicament. It is a teen comedy with its share of sexual humor that is so witty that it doesn’t stray into raunch or typical potty humor. It is a film about the greatest of human experiences–the love we have for each other and the potential that love has for shaping and changing us and making us who we are.

I couldn’t recommend this film more highly. Diablo Cody and Jason Reitman prove that it doesn’t take a big budget (this film’s was 7.5 million) to make a big film. Juno more than earns all the critical acclaim it has received. It is wonderful.