What about JUNO?

The film tells the story of Juno (Ellen Page), a high school junior who suddenly became pregnant courtesy of her friend (and admirer) Paulie (Michael Cera).

Her first instinct was to get rid of her unborn child. But while at the clinic, fear came to her. She then asked the help of her best friend Leah (Olivia Thirlby) in finding the perfect adoptive parents for her child. In the end they chose Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) and Mark (Jason Bateman) from an ad they saw from Pennysavers magazine.

After that, Juno decided to tell her dad (J.K. Simmons) and stepmother (Allison Janney). At first they thought she was expelled or was into drugs. But when she explained that she's continuing with the pregnancy and that she's already found the to-be parents for her unborn child, her parents decided to just understand Juno's situation, though they were a bit shocked that she's already sexually active.

Juno's father accompanied her in meeting Mark and Vanessa. The meeting went well and they agreed on close adoption, meaning Juno will never receive any news about her kid's growing up years.

As per Juno's relationship with Paulie, it continued to be platonic, even if it was evident they both like each other. When Juno found out Paulie had asked another girl to the prom, she was pissed. Paulie, on the other hand, explained that it was Juno's idea in the first place.

As her pregnancy progressed, Juno paid Vanessa and Mark visits at their house for updates. It turned out Mark and Juno have the same taste in music, film, and pop culture. And before their likeness for each other gets flirtatious, Mark told Juno he's leaving Vanessa. He said he isn't ready to be a father, and he wants to pursue other things.

Mark and Vanessa had a heated argument in front of Juno, so she left feeling sad and disappointed. She returned to the couple's house after a while and left a note for Vanessa.

Meanwhile, after winning a track competition in school, Paulie noticed that Juno was nowhere in sight. Sensing she's already in labor, he hurriedly went to the hospital, and he was right all along. He comforted Juno after her delivery, and they both decided not to see the baby.

Furthermore, Vanessa can be seen in the nursery area. This time she's having the baby as a single parent.

Inside the baby's room, Vanessa has replaced a photo of Mark and her with the note from Juno that says, "Vanessa: If you're still in, I'm still in. - Juno."

The film closes with Juno riding her bike to Paulie's house. Then they both sang and played their guitars. Afterwards, they shared a kiss.


*****

Ellen Page did a superb performance here, definitely worthy of her Oscar nod this year. Her character seems innocent and fragile, but wait until you get to hear her speak, haha! Even Michael Cera was awesome in his portrayal of Paulie, who at first glance may look gullible, but a handsome gullible at that.

I also like Allison Janney and J.K. Simmons for their very convincing performance.

I love how this film have somehow conveyed a pro-life position just like Knocked Up. I love that Juno decided to go on with her pregnancy, and with her life afterwards. And I love that there were no pressure on both sides to get the young lovers tie the knot just for the sake of their baby.

With only a budget of $6.5-M, this film has now reached $172,178,392 as of March 1, 2008 worldwide.

Kudos to the film's writer Diablo Cody (real name Brook Busey-Hunt, thank God) for winning both the Academy and the BAFTA.

It may seem ironic that Juno and Paulie's relationship took the next step only after everything that happened. But life is indeed ironic - you may never know what's in store for you.