Juno

“Juno” may be the best premiere screening of a film I have ever seen at TIFF.

Not only is the film touching and truly funny, the entire emsemble cast attended the screening and stayed for a Q&A.

“Juno” is an original story of a teenager’s accidental pregnancy. Breaking with more traditional looks at teen pregnancy, “Juno” flips stereotypes on their head: there are no illusions about teen mothers and the parents are supportive and positive.

When 16 year old Juno (Ellen Page) finds out she is having best friend Paulie’s (Michael Cera) baby, she sets out to find the perfect adoptive parents for her unborn child. With the support of her off-the-wall but loving Dad and Step Mom (hilariously played by JK Simmons and Allison Janney) Juno finds picture-perfect couple Mark and Vanessa (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner) to share in the birth process of their future child. Mark and Vanessa aren’t as perfect as they seem, and Juno finds herself creating a special bond with Mark.

Quirky and off-beat as the best ways to describe “Juno.” relative newcomer Ellen Page handles the realistic teen dialogue with ease and humour. Michael Cera is once again brilliant, and it seems can do no wrong these days with the success of “Superbad” and “Arrested Development.” Jason Bateman is brilliant, much like his “Arrested Development” co-star and it’s great to see such a fine comic actor back in the spotlight. Supporting players JK Simmons and Allison Janney offer up many laughs as the crazy but loveable parents. Jennifer Garner is the weakest spot in the emsemble, but by no means detracts from the overall film as she gives a decent performance but seems to be a little out-shined by her castmates as the yuppie, eager mom-to-be Vanessa.

As director Jason Reitman’s second feature (after “Thank You for Smoking̶ “Juno” cements Reitman’s brand of black comedy and offbeat humour. It’s definitely a film to watch for audiences of all ages, from teen to adult.

After the screening in which the entire cast was present, there was an organized Q&A. Michael Cera stood next to me at the beginning of the screening and I had to restrain myself from reaching over and hugging him because he’s just so likeable. When Jason Bateman walked by and posed for photos, I could only manage a “Hi Jason” as he talked to me and the people next to me. Ben Affleck accompanied Jennifer Garner to the screening, although seemed bored throughout the screening and Q&A, slumped in his seat, chewing gum- further cemeting my negative impression of him after I saw him barely glance at his fans outside another screening, not stopping to pose for pictures or sign autographs. Comparably, at the same screening, Matt Damon went out of his way to make sure everyone got a picture and autograph, and took the time to shake hands with his fans. Affleck could learn a thing or two, especially in the manners department as he was also quite rude exiting the theatre after the Q&A. But I digress…

The Q&A was often hilarious, courtesy of Jason Bateman. Audience members posed questions about everything from the unique film soundtrack to comaprisons between this film and “Thank You For Smoking.” An audience member shouted, “Hey Michael Cera, did you ride the GO train from Brampton to be here?” to the Ontario native. Jason Bateman was quick to respond with, “no, but his parents did.”

An all-around great film, made even better by an enthusiastic audience. A definite must-see.