Juno will be of particular interest to the legion of females out there who felt Knocked Up was all about the male perspective. This film isn't only told from the female point of view, but a teenage female no less. For what it's worth, I think both films are wonderful for different reasons.

In Juno, Ellen Page gives a vibrant, winning performance as the title character, a spunky, spirited sixteen year old who finds herself pregnant after a naughty evening with her high school sweetheart Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera of Arrested Development and Superbad fame). Initially, she contemplates having an abortion, but after visiting the clinic, she has a change of heart. After revealing her condition to her parents, she decides that adoption is the best way to go. While searching for a potential couple she's lead to Mark and Vanessa Loring (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner). Where the film goes from here, might surprise you.

Juno has a quirky vibe to be sure. Some have even compared it to Napoleon Dynamite. While it isn't quite that goofy, there are certainly similarities in terms of character eccentricities and song choices (most of the tunes are performed by Kimya Dawson of The Moldy Peaches).

The screenplay was written by first time screen writer Diablo Cody. Not that it's particularly relevant, but Ms. Cody used to be a stripper. Like I said, not relevant but pretty damn hot if you ask me. Cody's screenplay is hit and miss. Some of the writing is a little too hip for it's own good. Furthermore, there are times when the dialogue feels a wee bit stilted. Still, I did get a kick out of the pop culture references, particularly the ones that appear to be intentionally wrong (listen for a Bone Collector flub and a bastardized reference to Thunderbirds). Juno is human and perfectly capable of mistakes (hence the pregnancy), and these flubs add a nice little touch to the proceedings. Furthermore, I have to love any film that features two characters arguing over who makes gorier films; Dario Argento or Herschell Gordon Lewis. For the record, Argento is the stronger film maker, but Lewis' work is gorier without question. Cody also earns bonus points for taking the story into some fairly edgy territory, most notably where the Lorings are concerned. I thought I knew where the film was headed. As it turns out, I was wrong.

There are two solid reasons for Juno's ultimate success. First and foremost are the performances. Ellen Page is a revelation in the lead. She had already won me over with her stunning work in Hard Candy, but Juno will be a bigger stepping stone for her. Juno is one of those characters that could have degenerated into an annoying blabber mouth, but Page never allows that to happen. She's so engaging and naturally likable, that you root for her every step of the way. The supporting cast is equally effective. J.K. Simmons is a hoot as Juno's loving but disappointed father. He delivers some of the film's very best lines. Allison Janney is wonderfully dry as Juno's stepmother. The scene in which she squares off against an ultra sound tech is a riot. Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner are outstanding as Mark and Vanessa. Their scenario is bit underdeveloped but the performances are spot on. Cera is wonderful as the sweet natured Paulie, but he is slightly underwritten. Still, Cera makes the most of his screen time.

The other reason Juno succeeds is because of director Jason Reitman (son of veteran comedy director Ivan). Reitman has clearly inherited his father's sense of comic timing. He demonstrated it last year with the exceptional Thank You For Smoking and he does it again here. This film is funny and even when it teeters over the line, Reitman knows when to reel things back in. His second effort is a terrific balance of comedy and drama.

Juno has it's detractors. I've read gripes about the film's "it's cool to be a pregnant teen" vibe, but I didn't perceive the movie in that way at all. Juno made a mistake and she knows she made a mistake. That happens in life sometimes. Overall, this film is funny, snappy, and light on it's feet. It's not as strong as Thank You For Smoking, but it's still one of the most entertaining movies of the year.