Diablo Cody intrigues with 'Juno'

Unrealistically snappy dialog + teen pregnancy = delightful surprise

Teen pregnancy is nothing to laugh at, but I couldn't help being really amused by Juno. I got exactly what I wanted from the movie; several laughs, witty dialog, and a chance to see some actors I really like (Janney, Page, Simmons, and Garner-in that order) do what they do best.

Yes, I do realize that the quick wit of the characters is pretty far from what the rest of us sound like, but I could tell from the preview that even though my suspension of disbelief might be a bit challenged, that it would be worth it to hear the really interesting things coming out of the actors' mouths. The friend I went with found this really off-putting, but I knew what I was in for, so perhaps that made it easier to take in stride. Besides, I grew up watching Dawson's Creek; I may have missed the over-articulate banter of Gilmore Girls, but I know about super-chatty teens from watching Katie Holmes (before she was brain-washed and while she still had my respect).

I liked the overall plot, even if I don't really believe it whole-heartedly. Still, it did give me a bit to chew over, particularly the interaction between the married couple (Garner & Bateman). After a while, you begin to see that there might have been more to the conversation about "cold feet" than you initially inferred. I thought that both actors did a really good job of relating to each other, although they were a tad stiff with each other for people who are supposed to be spouses. Still, that could have been a reflection of Garner's buttoned-down wife.

Page is ADORABLE; I could watch a lot more of her (even though I haven't been brave enough to watch Hard Candy yet). Simmons is his wryly dry self, but quite endearing as a dad who tries, but who may not quite 'get It' when it comes to his daughter. I always like Allison Janney, so that was easy. I especially lked how she tore into the Sonogram Technician. Again, my friend didn't appreciate that development, but I found the escalation in emotion about on pitch with what I might feel if I were Janney (although my lines are tons less cool).

I had heard from the reviews that Olivia Thirbly was a joy to watch, and that was mostly true. While she made good use of her screen time, she doesn't take away from Page's talents, but she does have a teen-sultry air that reminds me of Scarlett Johansen. I am looking forward to seeing more of her and Page together in Jack & Diane, out later this year. The plot of the movie might not suit everyone, but I will probably be there to see it, eventually. I could have used more of Rainn Wilson's presence, though. I suppose he is a busy man, but he is really good a being hilariously awkward and a joy to watch.

I find Diablo Cody herself to be pretty interesting. I was knocked out by an EW interview, and I love what she does with her hair. In more than a few ways, she reminds me of a playwriting friend of mine; not only are they both good at creating stories, but they shared another profession for a while. I will be watching for Cody's next project, but I do think she runs a danger of being the new It-Girl; expectations could be built of pretty high. I also think that some people think she's overexposed even now. We will see what happens, and I will be paying attention.

To sum up, this movie was exactly what I wanted, and even a little more. As unrealistic as it might be, the movie is not as empty as a person might expect--there are some really cute moments that still manage to be just sarcastic enough not to be smaltzy. This movie should also be safe to bring a guy to; there is humor for both sexes to be found.