Drake, J. (Producer), & Reitman, J. (Director). (2007). Juno
[Motion picture]. United States of America: Fox Searchlight
Pictures. UPC 024543515944
Plot Summary
Juno MacGuff, on a whim one day during a bout of supposed boredom,
decides to take her best friend's, Paulie Bleeker's, virginity. That
whim suddenly has consequences as she soon discovers she is pregnant.
Now, she has to decide what to do, how to tell her father and
stepmother, how to tell Paulie without upsetting his mother, and whether
or not the potential adoptive parents are worth giving her newborn to.
Through this pregnancy, Juno will learn who truly supports her, what it
means to be in a relationship, and ultimately, what a person will do
for love in the face of all the other things life throws in the way.
Critical Evaluation
Juno is unique in that the its dialogue garners praise or derision, sometimes from the same person. This movie sounds like it is written for teens, and at times the writer's ear sounds keen, and at other times, tin. Still, Juno is a gem of a movie because it presents an ultimately believable movie in its idiosyncrasies. Juno's problems are real, facing the choice between abortion and adoption is difficult, and watching the reactions of her family and friends seems realistic; her father and stepmother support her immediately, but they let her know how hurt and confused they are. Juno matures as a result of her pregnancy, but the viewer is reminded that she is still not an adult when it needs to be explained to her that she cannot hang out with a married man alone without other people thinking it is possibly more than platonic. These moments give the film balance. Just when you think Juno has some supernatural will or intelligence, you are reminded that she is still human, making her journey through this film even more engaging.
A whimsical decision almost nine months ago, Juno must decide what relationships she can foster and those that she can let go.
Genre
Comedy, contemporary
Speak as Juno, discovering that she is pregnant. Have all of the
possibilities that arise in the film arise as options: abortion,
adoption, raising the child, how she'll tell everybody. This
overwhelming scenario will convey her feelings as well as set up the
plot for the film.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Juno is rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, sexual content, and language.
Challenge Issues
Teen pregnancy is the main issue here. Swearing and nudity is nonexistant.
If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly. Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone. As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.
If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly. Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone. As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.
Reason Selected
This movie is one of few that I feel in which the adults are as wholly developed and imperfect as the young adults who are the main characters.
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