Juno

Some movies surprise you. "Juno" is one of those movies. From the start, it is a fresh and funny movie that is easy to fall into, and easier to fall in love with.

"Juno" stars Ellen Page and Michael Cera as a couple of teenagers who figure they know it all. Juno, the lead, is played by Page with ravor-sharp wit and perfect comedic timing. Bleeker, played by Cera, is more muted and easy to warm up to.

Juno is 16 years old, and suddenly finds herself pregnant with Bleeker's baby. There are a lot of good scenes in this movie - not because of flashy scenery, but because the dialogue is that good. The writing is beautifully balanced, and when the characters speak, it sounds natural and is a delight. The best scene occurs when Juno decides how to break the news to Bleeker. She enlists her best friend to help move a neighbor's outdoor furniture display to Bleeker's front yard. Sitting in a reclining chair with a pipe in her mouth, Juno calmly tells Bleeker the truth and lists her options, to best "nip it in the bud." A track runner and still a kid, Bleeker has little to add to the development, though his love and affection towards Juno continues. Juno is mocking, deadpan, sarcastic, and incredibly endearing. Hearing Juno and Bleeker speak is a treat, as their dialogue is clever and very funny, but still quite believable coming from youths of their age.

Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman star as the married couple whom Juno will give her baby to. Garner is more severe in this role, as she is lovely, but is constantly either asking if the baby will be hers or talking about the future child. Jason Reitman has accomplished a slam-dunk in his first major film foray. I hope there will be many more to come.