This Wednesday we revisit 2007:
It was just an okay year for movies:
-Superbad
-Waitress which is a musical now on Broadway
-Order Of The Phoenix
-Enchanted which is so underrated
But my number one film of 2007:
JUNO
Directed by Jason Reitman
Screenplay by Diablo Cody
Starring Ellen Page; Michael Cera; Jennifer Garner; Jason Bateman; Allison Janney; J.K. Simmons; and Olivia Thirlby
Juno follows the 9 month pregnancy of a high school teenager Juno (Page) as she has to make adult decisions.
The film introduced us to Diablo Cody as a screenwriter. The writing in this film is the star. It is Gilmore Girls quick and it and moves seemlessly from comedy to nice touching moments without skipping a beat.
Of course the acting by everyone is spot on:
Page as Juno is wonderful. She is very quick, her comic timing is wonderful. She is kind of a wiseass but she walks the line real well by letting us see her vulnerability. You have to love her.
Cera as Bleeker has the tough job of playing off Page (Juno). She is quick as noted and he has to almost play the stuttering straight man. However he says so much with a look. His chemistry with Page is fantastic.
Jennifer Garner in a small role as a wife who just wants to have a baby and is put in an awkward position. She has to play desperate but act like she is not desperate. A very difficult small part, and she pulls it off....as a strong woman. I think she should have received an Oscar Nom for this part.
Jason Bateman as Garners hubby plays against type......he is an ass...no spoilers but he pulls it off.
Janney and Simmons as Juno's parent/stepparent. Maybe in the top ten of parents in movie history. Highlighted by Janney with a great lecture during a DR's visit and a night time conversation between Page and Simmons.
This movie sticks with you and oddly, being a touchy subject, it is rather funny, sad, and touching all at the same time.
Well time for fun and not so fun facts:
-Jennifer Garner took a huge pay cut to be in this film
-Movie was shot in 31 days
-No cellphones were used in this movie
-Olivia Thirlby auditioned for the role of Juno but ended up playing best friend Leah.
Well Juno is just a lovely film.
And remember ..............It Started With A Chair
4 1/2 stars out of 5 for Juno!!
From the shadows as always thanks for your time.
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