Juno

"Juno" is one of the few motion pictures I've come across that is able to recycle a seemingly overused concept into a masterful work of art. Bringing to the screen the same flavor as 2004's "Napoleon Dynamite" this noticeably low budget feature has 'Academy Award' written all over it. While it may not snag this year's title for best picture, it's certainly a priceless attempt to inspire viewers of all ages in it's controversial subject matter that will bring new meaning to the word 'love'.

Just when I thought the teen-pregnancy scenario had overstayed its welcome, "Juno" has breathed new life into the dying concept with its slick editing, witty dialogue and offbeat characters.

Juno is a typical high school student who knows everything there is to know about, well, everything, at least that is until she becomes pregnant and realizes just how complicated some of life's obstacles can become. Michael Cera plays the would-be-father who is no position to raise a child thus he finds ignoring his mistake the easiest coping mechanism. Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner turn in dead-on performances as a wealthy couple who, on the surface seem perfect, but behind closed doors have a whole string of dilemmas of their own.

It's not too often we're given a film in which the script is this noticeable. Though the characters seem a bit too derived from previous releases (i.e. "Knocked Up" and "Napoleon Dynamite"), the dialogue is a great strength for how the story eventually plays out. It's moving and inspiring, perfectly injected into the characters' personalities that greatly defines who they are. The actors are perfectly casts for their parts, each fitting their character's profile and not a size less.

Though rather bare in the department of direction, due mostly to the fact that it's just not that eye-catching, "Juno" has struck gold in a mine of poorly constructed comedies that have quickly become forgettable upon the year's end. It's an intelligent, cinematic event, intelligently executed throughout its hour and a half runtime. A must see picture for viewers of all ages!