The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

Juno is one of those movies that, while in production, there is little fanfare, little buzz and just the hope audiences will discover its charm and spread the word to other movie goers. Fox Searchlight has been aggressively pushing this movie by holding advanced screenings throughout North America, including multiple viewings here in Ottawa. Sometimes, a movie premiere never makes it to Canada's Capital even once so obviously this grass roots campaign has been well thought-out by the financial backers of this movie. It's not really a film that can conveyed well in a trailer, because it would likely come across as too conventional. But having film-goers see it for free so they can spread the word to their friends on how good this movie is, is probably the best way to promote it.

So here I am to tell you just how great Juno is.

It's the story of a 16 year-old girl who gets pregnant and finds a couple to give it up for adoption. Doesn't sound like anything special, but what makes this film so charming is the character of Juno MacGuff superbly played by Ellen Page. I really hope she's going to get consideration for some awards. At first you're not sure what to make of her as she initially comes across as tough and very offbeat, but you end up just loving her to death. Despite her accidental pregnancy, if you were her dad you'd still be proud of her. If you were at her high school, it'd be awesome to have her as your girlfriend. Her humour and wit go a mile a minute in the movie, and I can't give it justice unless you actually see it. Despite her strong front and tomboy tendencies, as the film progresses you see her soft side, and you feel for her. That's what makes a good movie: When you actually care about the characters and hope everything turns out okay.

The supporting cast is great. Nice touches like casting Superbad's Michael Cera as the father to Juno's unborn child, or Jason Bateman as the adopting father make for a wonderful cast. I bet they had a blast filming this movie.

I really hope word of mouth picks up for this movie, because with a plenty depressing lineup of pictures coming out this Christmas including the no-one-asked-for-it sequel to National Treasure and Alvin & The Chipmunks, it's easy for mass audiences to get distracted. Make an effort to see Juno, you won't regret it.