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| Movie Review: Juno Alternate Title: Jejunely Juno
Story: If a film makes a lot
of money does not mean it should automatically be recognized at award
show time? If that is the driving force in Hollywood than there should
be an award show called the Greenbacks and not the Oscars.
I only went to see this film yesterday because it has been nominated
as one of the five Best Pictures this year. I am puzzled, perplexed
and pissed. This film should not have been nominated for anything except
perhaps if it were on TV as one of those after school specials for kids.
Yes, it is cute if you find the idea of young
girls having babies a form of cute. Even if you do, cute does not qualify
for anything and is fleeting as an art form. Director Jason
Reitman and Hollywood darling, screenwriter Diablo
Cody have created a formulaic, over the top predictable, full
of itself piece of trifle. Juno, a 16 year old HS Junior, finds herself
pregnant. With very little soul searching and no parental guidance,
she decides to have the baby and give it to some deserving couple. The
rest of the film is made up of scenes that try too hard to be quirky,
profound, meaningful and/or sweet. So did I like anything about the film? Yes, I
liked when it ended. Acting: Ellen Page is cute in an
annoying way. Best Actress nomination? Puh-leeze. Michael Cera
has copyrighted his halting, cute boyfriend look. Olivia Thirlby,
JK Simmons, Allison Janey, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Rain Willson
are all cookie cutter silhouettes in a very predictable film.
Predilection: I find nothing remotely funny about
young girls having babies.
Critters: Surprisingly none.
Sex Spectrum: The implied sex in a chair is what got
her into this jam to begin with.
Blatant Product Placement: Orange Tic Tacs
Soundtrack: Annoying overworked nd tries too hard
to be cute.
Opening Titles: Cute Graphics introducing us to the
wacky world of Juno.
Visual Art: Attention to detail was fine.
Theater Audience: About six other stunned adult viewers.
Weather: The four seasons of Juno's world are covered.
Sappy Factor: 3
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: I find teenage pregnancy very squirmy
indeed.
Drift Factor: I looked at my watch after only 20 minutes.
Predictability Level: Over the top.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: A loud NO!
Big Screen or Rental: It does not matter.
Length: 90 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 5
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