By now there is very little chance that you’ve managed to avoid hearing about this film.  Entertainment Weekly just put it on their cover, calling it the “Little Indie That Could.”   The way the movie (and writer Diablo Cody) have become media darlings had, as usual, made me hesitant to see it.  But figuring the theaters would be rather empty while the Super Bowl was on (which we taped to watch later), and considering that there was nothing else out which we were interested in, Heather and I made our way to the local AMC to check it out.

At first, I was very concerned that my fears had been well-founded.  The initial scenes are a barrage of one-liners and modern teen-speak, delivered with a very self-aware attitude as if the script is trying far too hard to be quirky and hip.  Juno (Ellen Page), a 16-year-old, find herself unexpectedly pregnant after losing her virginity to a schoolmate (Michael Cera)…or, more correctly, after he loses his virginity to her.  But once the movie progresses past the initial plot twists and Juno decides to have the baby and give it up for adoption, the story, acting, and dialogue takes hold and carries you along for the ride.

Despite their obvious unhappiness at their daughter’s situation, Juno’s parents (J.K. Simmons and the always awesome Allison Janney) support her decision.  Through an ad in the Penny-saver, Juno locates her prospective adoptive parents the Lorings (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner).  Vanessa Loring is a bit uptight and stiff, while husband Mark is, in Juno’s estimation, cool.  She and Mark share musical tastes, and are both horror film buffs.  Feeling alienated from the ranks of average High School students, Juno finds reasons to stop by the house and visit with Mark.

Avoiding some potentially predictable plot directions, and keeping the characters are much more than simple one-dimensional cutouts, Juno brings laughter into a difficult situation without forgetting that the delicate story includes characters who will have to move on with their lives after the final credits roll.  Juno and her parents supply most of the best lines, as they meet the complications of life with a sarcastic humor I find far too familiar.  Jennifer Garner, in particular, brings surprising sensitivity to her character, and director Jason Reitman allows her (and the other cast members) to slowly reveal more of themselves in actions and body language.

If you haven’t seen Juno yet, either make the trip to your local movie house or wait for DVD release.  It’s worth watching, and overall is quite enjoyable.  Just don’t let the first few minutes trip you up.