The Little Indie That Could

I hope hope hope "Juno" will become this year's "Little Miss Sunshine". I began championing it immediately after seeing the trailer during an episode of Project Runway.

The trailer spelled it out clearly: A sly comedy about Ellen Page, a pregnant teen, carrying Michael Cera's (George Michael from Arrested Development and of recent "Superbad" fame) bastard child set in Middle America.

Gold.

Ellen Page vaults herself into Hollywood "It Girl" status with her performance as Juno MacGuff--a 16 year old, guitar toting, omnipotent, smarty-pants, preggers tomboy. As Juno, Page is a sage beyond her years. She knows everything about everything...and she'll tell you twice.

Don't get it twisted, Page isn't jaded she just has a big mouth. The writers of "Juno" use Page as a mouthpiece to debate about everything from The Stooges status in the rock n roll pantheon to the reasons why teenagers have sex.

Watch Page's interaction with potential surrogate babydaddy Jason Bateman--priceless. It's more like two 30 somethings engulfed in conversation rather than a teenager and a lonely married man.

Michael Cera depicts Paulie Bleeker (Juno's love interest/awkward sidekick) brilliantly. Cera's become a master of playing that awkward, nerdy teen. His take on Bleeker builds on the strength of his roles in Arrested Development and "Superbad".

In a remotely Wes Andersonian way, Cera wears an unofficial uniform of skimpy bright yellow running shorts, head band, wrist bands and burgundy tank top throughout the film. He also shows us another place where deodorant can alleviate foul odors.

I could go on for hours about this film. From the uber cool posters on Juno's wall to the references of Craigslist's ubiquity, it's all well conceived.

At times the writing seems to be overdone but it walks that superfluous tightrope with grace. They really play on the instant Wikipedian-like slang additions to our lexicon in which teenagers birth daily. The phrase "wizard" has now usurped my overuse of "cool".

In the end, "Juno" is a feel-good comedy in a witty little 92 min. package. Short and brash and sweet.

The Village Voice touts it as the "Perfect Movie". I'd have to agree.