The movie Juno is being called a mini-blockbuster and took third in box-office sales this past weekend. I’m not surprised; I dragged my husband to it a couple weeks ago (It was our anniversary; he was feeling amenable) and we both loved it.
Well, “love” is a strong word for my patent attorney husband. He did really like it, though, as far as I can tell, and as far as I could tell (based on my sidelong glances), he even swiped at his eyes once or twice by the end of it.
But don’t tell him I told you.
Anyway. I’m giving the movie one more shout-out because it’s really very good. Clever, quirky, engaging, cute…you’ll laugh and you’ll fall in love with the leading actress for all her sassy smartness. She’s coping as best as she can and I commend her.
You may also be uncomfortable a couple of times—there is a scene of brief but discreet intimacy at the beginning, and the would-be adoptive father (played by Jason Bateman) has some issues—but hey, life can be uncomfortable and teenage pregnancy is certainly out there for us to deal with.
Better a movie that celebrates one teenager’s pregnancy (and the wonder over this new life) then one that promotes abortion.
That’s why I’m telling ya.
Go to this movie.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
*This review has been cross-posted at Love2learn at the Movies.
I meant to tell you last week that my husband and I saw “Juno” shortly after it opened. We loved it. Really, even he did. Although it’s a position we hope our children never find themselves in, I’d say the choices made were pretty good ones! Great comic relief, great tear jerker during some parts.
Teresa G. (still gotta use my daughter Marie’s gmail account because I somehow can’t post a comment with my regular email account….)
I’d love to see this one. I wonder for what age of teenager would this be appropriate for viewing?
Jane
Oooh, I want to see this one. It looks pretty cute. I may have to steal that movie gift card I gave my husband.
My husband and I discussed this, and we’ll let our oldest two see it – a daughter, 17, and son, 15 and a half. They’re pretty firm in their faith and morals, and I actually think it would be a good film for them to see. It shows the beauty of new life (later in the movie as she sees an ultrasound and during and after birth), but it also shows that teenage casual sex (or any teenage sex) can lead to pregnancy, while Juno firmly and decisively makes known that she is not ready for parenthood. As Margaret says, it certainly has an edge to it, can be crass, etc. But we got lots of good laughs and I know my teens will see it for what it is. I guess you have to know your teens; they’re all different.
Sorry Margaret if this question was meant for you….just thought I’d pipe in since we just discussed this recently with our kids. 🙂
Teresa
Thanks Teresa,
I’m open to anyone’s insight. Our oldest is 13 1/2 and while I feel his faith is strong, I’m still a little weary of the subject matter at his age…
Jane
I’d agree with Teresa in that, as with any controversial subject, you have to know your teens. This is a hard one for me; I’m a mom who does not yet have teens!
Would I let my 13-year-old see this movie? Probably…not. Would I let my 16-year-old? Yes.
I was asked at the Love2Learn at the Movies site if this movie condones premarital sex and I would have to say no. The leading character has clear regret over her mistake–not that a new baby is EVER a mistake, but conceiving one at 16 and outside of marriage is–and this regret is shown so poignantly when she tells her parents.
Ellen Page an amazing actress which is one of the reasons why I loved this film so much. She reminds me of my niece!
Anyway, it IS a modern movie that was not produced by a Catholic filmmaker and so there are some words that are quite…well, modern. “Junk” is one of them. (Look it up if you have to.)
Whether or not you want your children to hear such dialogue is up to you. We can’t shelter them forever from what is “out there”. We can, however, work through it with them before they move away…and that’s the kind of parent I pray I’ll be.
We never seem to be able to get out to the movies, but I already put this on my Netflix queue so that we won’t forget about it before it gets out to DVD.
Thank you, thank you, thankyou for this! I had a feeling when I saw the trailer that this was a good movie, but I am sooooo untrusting of Hollywood these days and especially on this subject. I hope to get to see it soon otherwise, I will be anxiously awaiting the release to DVD.
I agree, great movie! Loved it! Can’t wait for it to come out on DVD so I can watch it again!