It had to happen. Suddenly the little movie everyone loved is the juggernaut everyone loathes. The Internet is full of talkbackers claiming they'll slit their wrists if Juno beats No Country for Old Men or There Will Be Blood for the Best Picture Oscar. Why the sudden switch? Juno has commited the cardinal sin for a small movie—it's making money. Having passed the $100 million mark at the box office and showing no signs of slowing down, Juno is—in the words of Robert Duvall in Network—"a big, fat, big-titted hit." And since Juno has far outgrossed the other four Best Picture nominees, a question is raised: What does it profit a movie to become a household word if it loses its indie cred? Here are few comments overheard around the Rolling Stone office—react, please, honest to blog:
—Could Ellen Page be more affected? Her Juno doesn't sound like a teenager. She's a one-liner machine like the thirtyish screenwriter Diablo Cody, the ex stripper and phone-sex operator. After a while you notice all the people in the movie start to sound just like her.
—I like Kimya Dawson of Moldy Peaches, but her songs are glued to this movie like cutesy wallpaper.
—This movie sends the wrong message to teen girls about pregnancy: No problem, girl, just kick it old school and Jennifer Garner will take your baby, your parents will support you, and your boyfriend will still think you're hot. Yeah, right.
—Juno wants to be pro-life and pro-choice at the same time. Is this movie running for President?
—It lost me the minute that squiggly onscreen handwriting came up to tell us the seasons.
—Bands like The Stooges and The Runaways, cartoons like Thundercats, splatter kings like Dario Argento and Herschell Gordon Lewis—how much fake hipster stuff can one movie namecheck?
—Two hours of snark wrapped up in phony tears. And that hamburger phone? That's one annoying doodle that can't be undid, home skillet.
—See this movie a second time and all the artificial writing about pork swords and having lunch in a trophy case gets you sick in the stomach and makes you puke.
[Photo: Getty]
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Jacko | February 6, 2009 4:51 AM
Juno really has no Merit or any business being nominated. These days the Oscars are a joke. If crap like Juno is nominated, then we are one step shy of nominating shit like Knocked up or Superbad. Ellen Page is the most overrated actress out there and Diablo Cody can't write dialogue to save her life. making up random words does NOT make a good script neither does throwing pointless pop culture references around. Juno haters hated it not because it was a GOOD movie, but because it was a BAD movie. You don't have to be a gen x person to hate this shitty film. Whoever said that was a retard.
FrankSalerno.com | January 28, 2009 6:49 PM
I didn't hate it. I didn't love it.
I am happy for DC and look forward to this springboarding her to new, exciting work- or at least a wonderful life.
Let's face it- it's not her fault that music, tv, movies, etc.- have all degenerated into quips and nostalgic references instead of shaped lyrics, realized stories, and movies that make you feel- not just quote.
People chose Burger King over cooking at home long before DC showed up. How many people buy things based on reviews that read- a cross between a young Billy Joel and Evanessence, Timbaland meets Disney,The George Foreman Grill on steroids, etc.? How many movies and TV shows substitute actual jokes for cultural references?
Truth be told- the exchange that will stay with me for years to come will be Juno's dad telling her that the one worth sticking with is the one who thinks- ugly, pretty, etc- that the sun shines out your ass. Kudos DC.
Chad | December 23, 2008 4:47 PM
Nothing like deluded, self important hipsters complaining about a movie going out of it's way to be hipster. At the end of day it boils down to whether you like it or you don't. It's a persoanal opinion. If you are so jaded and such a follower that you can't enjoy a movie on it's own merits and not where it fits in the hipster hiearchy of cool then I feel really really sorry for you. There is alot more to the world then the little bubble you live in.
SixBux | September 17, 2008 2:12 PM
I would like to answer the question that a few of the "Juno" supporters have asked and that is "Why do you have to hate on the film so much?" I hated the movie for all of the reasons that the other posters here have stated, but the biggest reason that I hate the film and the reason that I have made it my life's mission to trash this film, is because of the way that I have been verbally attacked by the mindless mob of Juno desciples when I have stated that I didn't like the movie.
Immediately after this statement, I am attacked and asked how I could have the nerve to not like this Oscar nominated film. They tell me that I have no taste and that I hate women because the main charcter is a woman and the writer was a woman. What the hell is that about??? I hate women just because I think the film sucks?? Give me a break!!! I do hate women that write bad films, but I don't hate women in general.
More than the film itself, I hate these "Juno-va Witnesses" who have to try to convert me everytime they get the chance. Can't you just accept the fact that I have my own opinion and that it doesn't have to agree with yours? We don't have to all like the same stuff. That's what makes this world and or country so great. There would be no variety in the world if we all liked the same thing.
Please won't someone set up a detox-center or intervention group for all of these "Juno-paths" who have to convert the world to the "Nation of "Juno-slam".
JUNO | May 28, 2008 3:42 PM
juno is by far the most AMAZING
movie.
you people are just jealous.
sense1 | May 11, 2008 5:50 PM
diablo cody is an untalented whore, and this movie was trash.
Juno Sucks | April 24, 2008 5:21 PM
THANK YOU RYAN TUNGATE. I agree 100%. This is exactly how I felt after watching the movie opening weekend, before everyone retardedly fell in love with it for absolutely no reason. It is the least genuine, most grating, most unrealistic, desperate, corny piece of shit I have ever had to sit through. It is not witty or charming or watchable in any way. I cannot imagine anyone watching this movie and not cringing at every stupid, faux hipster referencing one-liner. Die, Juno.
Ryan Tungate | April 17, 2008 8:51 PM
I see...so I can't hate juno without having some sort of a deep seated psychological problem? I sat through the movie, hoping to like it, but it grated on me from the 1st scene. Does this girl ever stop saying one liners? For that matter, does ANYONE in the movie stop saying one liners? There were so many issues with it that bothered me, that I walked out of the theatre pissed off and annoyed...I compared it to being poked with a sharp stick by people wearing pink bunny outfits, and I am supposed to ignore the sharp pain and just go 'aww, how cute?'
by the time i got home, and had a while to think about it, i was REALLy pissed off. my reaction was not some backlash, b/c it had just opened and there was no talk of oscars at all...It was the fact that it is so desperate and fake...it is a mainstream, almost adam sandler level comedy trying to hide in an indie wrapping by making comments about bands and movies, so that people who were too unhip to catch 'ghost world' or 'napoleon dynamite' can take to heart and think they have found an edgy movie. it is about as edgy as my pillow.
Take, for example, the kimya dawson soundtrack. while I find Moldy Peaches intentional lack of polish to be a misunderstanding of lo-fi , mistaking lack of production value for lack or melody, lyrics, or effort, the fact is that the music doesn't match the movie. This movie cries out for Rihanna or Gwen Stefani, with a big Goo Goo Dolls ballad for the end.
I don't know. I really just hated the movie, and when you hear people going ON AND ON about how great it is, when you feel like you have seen the emperor's clothes, it is hard to swallow. History will judge this movie harshly, and I believe, in year's to come, it will be something its' makers and stars have to explain and avoid rather than proudly proclaim in their credits. it is not Heathers, Breakfast Club, or anything like that. It is poorly written, desperate, fake, name dropping garbage. I hate it. I hated it from the day I saw it, so don't you DARE tell me that my opinion is due to a backlash or some personality flaw of my own. Backlash, Schmacklash...to me, there is only one opinion to have about juno, and that is that it sucks.
Oliver Rock | April 6, 2008 9:27 PM
I dont see why everyone has to make such a big deal out of the way the movie flows, its not like anyone is forcing you to watch it. Some people like the movie and some people dont, just cause "Juno" did so well doesn't mean you need to critesize every little detail about it. Just give the people who made the movie credit for the good job they did, if your gonna say any thing bad about it, like you could do a better job, go make a better movie and prove me wrong but until then, stop critizing a good piece of work.
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Johnnymojo88 | February 16, 2008 8:58 PM
I liked the movie, but all of those quotes up there are the little things that stuck in my mind after watching it. It manages to be pretty good in spite of all its faults, but those faults hold it back from being great on the level of No Country for Old Men or Atonement.
Jason Keil | February 6, 2008 11:33 PM
I've seen Juno and I would see it again in a heartbeat, but does every character have to talk in obscure pop culture references? Every interview I've read with Diablo Cody she talks like every character in the movie. If the movie is so character driven, why do they all talk the same, like Diablo Cody?
Juno will undoubtedly win Bst Orginial Screenplay, but to whoever wins Best Adapted, I'll give the Coen Brothers and PT Anderson credit, they can write some lines that reflect their characters as opposed to some quick pop culture bromides (A 16-year-old yelling "Thundercats Are Go?" She wasn't even born when that cartoon was popular!)
joe | February 5, 2008 9:05 PM
yo shut the fuck up its a good movie and quit bitching fuck the oscars
Lisa | February 5, 2008 7:33 PM
Pitchfork? Tarantino? Wes Anderson?
Man theres was music before pitchfork and theres was movies before Tarantino and Anderson.
I think you are the uncultured fool.
I am 36 and i love Juno, also i love the Neckromantic films, the french new wave films, B-movies, or the trendy post-tarantino stuff etc., i don't judge cinema because the generation i come from, i experienced movies as particular pieces of art.
And Juno is an amazing beautifull film.
Better then Rushmore? i dont know.
Rushmore is beeter then Casablanca? i think you need to settle down and start reading books, couse you dont watch movies, you think you do, but you dont.
justin d | February 5, 2008 2:27 AM
Belated opinions on juno circa new year's '08:
First, let’s get the inevitable bastard criticisms out of the way. They’re obvious, and people point to them for no reason other to convince the reader of their own intelligence…
1. It’s just like napoleon dynamite meets Wes Anderson, but, respectively, not quite as funny or good. 2. Shit, now I know it’s finally that easy… just read pitchfork and listen to music for three years, and the soundtrack of your film alone will be enough to generate tons of devoted, even obsessive fans, who will tack the “brilliant” label to your movie, who’s plot, acting, writing, originality may not stand up.
Second: Personal annoyances. Really only one major annoyance: kids of this age should be neither cool nor disobedient. And this is sort of a bullshit criticism anyway, more indicative of my own elitist nature than anything else. All I’m saying is that when you’re 16… at least in the world I know… you have no business listing iggy and the stooges as your favorite band and you get slapped in the face for being an arrogant, self assured asshole in front of new foster parents (your parents really shouldn’t sit by and let you go on like this… making a mockery of these nice folks…).
Ok, that’s my little backlash of angry nonsense. That being said, this wasn’t a bad movie at all, and the fact that I’m still thinking it over non stop in my brain two days after seeing it, at least proves its lasting nature. Here’s the thing - To this day, if you criticize Wes Anderson or Quentin tarrantino, I will have none of it. I will call you an uncultured fool, make fun of you for a while, and discontinue any friendship we once had. All and all, those who diss Darjeeling or death proof have raised some valid points. Fingers can even be pointed intelligently at things that may be wrong with kill bill or some of the earlier Anderson movies that are forever etched into my brain as being perfect. (hey, I’ve heard rumors of stanely kubrick nuts who think tarrantino is just a new age hack…)
I’m now 25 years old, and as far as I know, incapable of viewing anything without an overly critical, asshole attitude for it. But there are many who are younger (think the intelligent 14-20 demographic), who will see in this movie a faint glimpse of something that is so much cooler and better than anything they knew was out there. A generation of young kids will now imagine an escape from their idiot high school and college worlds that can be obtained through verbose conversation and listening to belle and Sebastian records. And this is true, but – and here’s a warning kids - that world is not exactly beautiful or cool. Eventually it is the sort of thing that can lead to a guy writing a negative review of a movie at his computer on new years instead of socializing with his peers and getting with some ladies. And everyone in my shoes has gone through the same experience one way or another, each labeling our particular “awakening” artistic experience (be it rushmore, punk rock, david byrne or high fidelity) as better than those of others. And on a case by case basis, yeah, some of them actually are better. But really, who gives a damn. A lonely 17 year old somewhere in the Chicago suburbs needs this movie. And even if it annoys me to have newbies knocking on the door of my own personal world, who am I to send them away? Rock on juno, but still, rushmore kicks your ass.
Grade: B
Lisa | February 4, 2008 6:38 PM
Actually Peter's love the film, "Juno" Made it to his Top 10 of the year.
RS staffers in the late 20's early 30's hated the movie. This wholed thing is turned in to "Gen X" VS "Gen Y".
My idea: It din't try way too hard, Ellen Page is so NATURAL and carismatic.
The best thing is that the actors feels almost like unknowns ( Jason Bateman) , the name dropping is really out there, kinda like geeky paradise, and the intro credits fits perfect with the beautifull soundtrack...
I love the "Juno" universe, as well i love the Tarantino universe and the Wes Anderson universe, all of them made movies with weird characthers, calculated soundtracks and hip dialog, but it works, and "Juno" works very nice, go Juno!
MG | February 4, 2008 4:40 PM
Peter's DEAD ON
This movie blew. I had expectations and they were blown. IT just BLEW.
Ellen Page has already gotten too big for her own britches.
My idea: It tried WAY too hard and in effect, failed.
Had the actors been complete unknowns, they got rid of all the damn name dropping, and the crappy intro credits...it could have been good. Also the delivery of lines would have had to be different, and I'd get rid of just about every catchy line there was (minus the one where Ellen's character tells Allison's character to dream big re: dogs)...that was one of the very few laughs I got.
I think I might go burn my chucks because they've become everyone's shoe these days.
What to wear?
Joe | February 4, 2008 4:19 PM
Totally agree with this:
That's what is wrong with America, Why we have to think that teens have to be stupid and naivee?
My 14 year old sister is an expert on Rock history and she have a great apreciation for italian horror films, from Fulci to Argento and yes, she talks paraphrasing pop culture, shes like a weird enciclopedya of tv and movies.
If that makes her Hip or really Smart?
I think that makes her normal.
MTV and the big media are givin' us a notion that teens only like stupid pop song and Paris Hilton.
Juno is real and is an amazing beautiful movie.
Best comedy/teen movie in a long time | February 4, 2008 4:16 PM
I completely agree, every generation has his Juno, like The Breakfast Club, Heathers or Reallity Bites, all of this are brilliant, with hip dialog and super cool soundtracks, so i'm sure Juno will joined the cult.
People stop hating, for real, the 90's are over!
Anonymous | February 4, 2008 1:26 PM
I completely agree. This movie reeked of Diablo Cody trying to out do herself with hip indie references.
jts | February 4, 2008 12:55 PM
Does this movie have to be entirely realistic to be great? I say no. I find it strange how some people get so analytical that it seems like they don't allow themselves to sit back and enjoy the movie. Okay, maybe there isn't a teenage girl in America with that many one-liners, but that doesn't hurt this film. All that stuff about the graphics and music of the film, too, is bogus in my opinion. I do have to sit back in think about the message of the film. Was the way it all played out a little too dreamy? Hmm. My answer is this is a story, and the way this plays out in the end just helps make a movie. If you came into this movie expecting a documentary on teen pregnancy choices, well my friend, I understand your discontent. This movie, however, is simply a great movie. I wish I could tell you if it is better than No Country or There Will Be Blood but I have yet to see those. EEK! I'm sure there's someone out there who wants to slit MY wrists for that, but hopefully if you've read all this, you have all calmed your pretentious rage! Enjoy the movies people!
Rosa | February 4, 2008 5:42 AM
Burger phone, Dario Argento, etc. still a very good movie, you may not like the character but that doesn't mean "Juno" is not an amazing film.
Ellen Page deserved to win.
The 90's are over! | February 4, 2008 5:38 AM
It's true, the "Juno" haters are ex-teenagers from the 90's, grownups that are still angry, really funny couse that's how Jason Bateman character is portrait in the film, as a sold out trying to rape the next generation. How ironic.
That explained a lot!
The Best | February 4, 2008 5:30 AM
There are kids out there like Juno. Some of you just choose to ignore it. I totally agree with that, teens wanna be hip, they wanna talk hip, they wanna look hip and some are smartert then us.
My little brother prefers to listen to old punk then Greenday and he love's old Godzilla movies and hate the Hollywood crap like Cloverfield .
Why a comedy/teen film does not aply for a Best Picture Nomination?
The RS staffers are staring to sound like my grandpa.
Matt | February 4, 2008 1:10 AM
Easily one of the most overrated films of the year.
"Wow, look at my hamburger phone, isn't it so kooky?"
Best movie of the Year | February 4, 2008 12:16 AM
Let me tell you, for all those that wonder whether Juno was too smart for the movie's own good..take one look at the scene where she is spurned by Michael Cera. She then runs in her car, puts on that red lipstick, and rushes over to the "older guy who gets her and her quirks and music." Is there a more accurate way to depict a teen's behavior in such a circumstance? And sad to say, is there a better way to represent that aging hipster 30 something than Jason Bateman's character flirting with a 16 year old??
If Juno acted like most normal teens no one would see the film. If you want to see normal girls go to Starbucks and scratch your eardrums out as you listen to girls jibber jabber away. If you want to see unique personalities that grow up and make life fun go watch Juno.
Best movie of the Year!!
Do we need more discrimination at the Oscars? | February 4, 2008 12:12 AM
Well, mexican mafia guys don't talk like that ethier ("No Country For Old Man"), but no one cares.
People don't get the point, "Juno" the character belongs to the "Juno" universe, is a f---n movie people! And is a really well done movie.
The script is perfect, the acting is amazing and the soundtrack fits like a globe.
"Juno" deserves to win Best Picture Of The Year!
(as well as other films from 2007)
KK | February 3, 2008 8:45 PM
As an 18 year old female "hipster" who likes indie music, I can say that Juno is definitely a great movie - but that doesn't mean it deserves an oscar. Being part of the generation that Juno is supposed to so authentically portray, I know that the film does get a lot of the fashions and the politics of today's high school right - but, although the script is hilarious and intelligent, you can be sure that most people definitely don't talk so hilariously and intelligently in real life. Even if Juno is just supposed to be an usually quick-witted girl, I don't think that a great collection of one-liners makes the year's best original screenplay.
Evolution | February 3, 2008 2:56 PM
Juno is the best movie of the year.
Theres lot's of teens that talk like that (i know a couple), and in the movie sounds super cool and super natural, thanks to Ellen Page amazing portrait of a smart and weird teenager, that reflects the voice of the next generation that is consumed by the saturation of media information.
Jason Bateman is great too, as the guy who is stuck on the 90s, where he's to blind to see evolution, who had betrayed his idology and now is a yuppie, working for the system as any other Gen X'er.
DGG | February 2, 2008 9:39 PM
Juno is, without a doubt, the most overrated, faux-cutesy, and above all, completely unrealistic movie of the year. Nobody talks like these characters do, with the possible exceptions of Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner and JK Simmons. It all sounds so WRITTEN. A great screenplay on paper, but coming out of characters' mouths, it just sounds wrong. Honest to blog.
woody | February 2, 2008 7:36 PM
It wasn't the movie that made uncomfortable, it was grandma and her 6 year old grand daughter positioned one row in front of me that completely ruined it for me. I basically watched the movie filtering out what I thought was inapproprate for said youngster, which is pretty much the whole movie. Thanks for saying vag alot. That was fun. Guardians please don't take your kids to movies they shouldn't see. I got a great story about Brokeback Mountain. No Shit.
JP | February 2, 2008 3:15 PM
I have "Juno" on my must-see list. Two reasons are the great cast and the witty dialouge I've seen in the trailer.
As for the backlash, this is the same thing I saw in the 90's with indie bands that became popular. The same album that they were praising when it was selling a few thousand copies was the same album they were critisizing as being lame sell-out when it sold over a million copies.
Second thing, I don't think movie fans and Oscar voters have the same appreciation for comedies as they do for dramas. Anybody who ever done comedy knows it's more difficult to make people laugh than it is to make them cry or effect them in a serious way. Can anyone remember the last time a comedy won for Best Picture? The last one I could think of is "Shakespeare In Love". Which leads me to ask when the last time an actual funny comedy won Best Picture?
Mister Jacques | February 2, 2008 2:27 PM
For all you haters and lovers, ask yourself this one question...
WHAT IF JUNO WERE BLACK OR LATINA?
Think about it. Would this film ever be made? Would it get any noms? I'm quite sure that Juno was neither the first, nor ever will be the last, of many films made of the genre.
Maria | February 2, 2008 1:47 PM
To the Kid:
"The Breakfast Club
Heathers
Reallity Bites
Juno
This movies did a great job portraiting certain teen characters of an specific era, with perfect soundtracks and hip dialog, Why these movie shouldn't be considered for oscars nominations?
Dont get mad because Juno is hiper then you, is just a movie, and is a really good one!"
I totally agree.
brtdnl | February 2, 2008 12:08 PM
Oh and while we're on the topic, don't just call something hipster when you don't like it. If I don't like something mainstream, I don't just go, "Oh, Nickelback's mainstream pop bullshit." I say, "Oh, Nickelback is a bad band, who don't have any ingenuity in their songwriting or instrumentation and have weak, repetitive lyrics and contrived song structures." If you're gonna attack something's quality, attack it on its actual substance, not its indie vs. mainstream cred.
Brtdnl | February 2, 2008 12:01 PM
Juno was funny. It was poignant. It had heart. It was well-written (and being an actual college student, I do know people who talk like this. Try meeting some real teenagers) and, I dunno, the characters were genuine and the relationships between them were fantastically portrayed. And just because the music's somewhat little-known doesn't have anything to do with whether it's good or not. Mott the Hoople? Sonic Youth? The Kinks? Belle and Sebastien? Buddy Holly? The Velvet Underground? You're gonna seriously tell me these aren't good bands? Besides they're barely indie, and that's not what this movie is trying to be. This movie was what Garden State was trying to be, and it has nothing to do with Little Miss Sunshine, so stop comparing them. While it is certainly not as good as No Country or There Will Be Blood, and not as well-made as Michael Clayton, it definitely deserves a nomination.
Karen | February 2, 2008 3:31 AM
The first thing that came to my mind from watching the trailer was that it was a big budget film trying to emulate Napoleon Dynamite.
Anonymous | February 1, 2008 10:38 PM
I like Juno is an indie winning mainstream credibility, I like the fact it's written by a woman and nominated for an oscar in that category, but over all I'm not big on a film where the only character who doesn't change is a fifteen year old girl who happens to be pregnant.
I honestly don't care who wins the Oscar (choosing a best in art kind of defeats the purpose) but film is a powerful medium and to treat teenage pregnancy like a load of hipster hijink is just soulless crap.
Mike D | February 1, 2008 8:21 PM
Anonymous, who said you have to hate Garden State and Little Miss Sunshine to dislike Juno? I like those films, which I consider far superior to Juno.
MJF | February 1, 2008 7:43 PM
I agree with many of the RS Office comments. It's an OK movie. It just doesn't hold up after hype and talk and multiple views - hardly even held together the first time for me. Decently entertaining flick, but generally overrated. It was like the writer was trying too hard to target the 15-19 poser-hipster crowd.
rockstarr26 | February 1, 2008 5:47 PM
ehhhh. i liked this film...but the snappy patter dialog was terrible. and the art direction/music placement was executed, but not at all natural and WAAAYY too hip and contrived.
RG | February 1, 2008 4:36 PM
Poor, Ellen Page. She will be remembered for this after school special that was apparently written by my grandparents after reading "Hipster for Dummies". In fact, that dumbass line I just wrote, above? THAT could have been in this horribly over-rated movie. I almost turned my For Your Consideration copy off three times- JUST IN THE CONVENIENCE STORE SCENE. Homeskillit? Really? Diablo Cody should change her name back. If not for Jason Bateman and Garner's brilliant saves, this is nothing but tripe.
The Kid | February 1, 2008 4:09 PM
The Breakfast Club
Heathers
Reallity Bites
Juno
This movies did a great job portraiting certain teen characters of an specific era, with perfect soundtracks and hip dialog, Why these movie shouldn't be considered for oscars nominations?
Dont get mad because Juno is hiper then you, is just a movie, and is a really good one!
cRAIG | February 1, 2008 12:56 PM
i'm a big Gilmore Girls fan, and i can see the comparison. Juno isn't flawless, but it's still one of the ten best films of the year. No Country for Old Men it isn't, but it's a lot better than last year's little indie that could: the
grossly overrated Little Miss Sunshine...
Aaron D. | February 1, 2008 12:22 PM
I liked the movie. Sue me. Of course, I'm not a love-it-til-more-than-two-people-have-heard-of-it trend-whore.
Ricardo Cardenas | February 1, 2008 11:37 AM
I saw this movie a few weeks back and thought it was just O.K. It's watchable, don't get me wrong. It's just...it's just...it's just that it's not that funny and not that touching. And while we're at it, not really that believable either.
And yes, when i was watching it I caught the movie trying to be hip several times...
And am I the only one, or does anyone else think that Jennifer Garner gave the best, most credible performance in the film?
HIAWG | February 1, 2008 10:54 AM
the reason people are backlashing against the film is that the film has clearly outgrown itself. The dialogue might as well have been written by the Arcade Fire, and it seriously depresses me to see Schillinger from Oz (JK Simmons) not bringing some more blind hatred into the picture. Seriously though, it presents itself as a relatable little gem, until one realizes that (A) no one talks like this- ever, and (B) the soundtrack comes across as an inside joke amongst Bong hits. Clearly not a terrible film, but cuteness fades and good film making stays.
Gustavo | February 1, 2008 10:01 AM
Saw Juno yesterday at last, thought it was ok, but most of the dialog felt forced, in that "look at me! im cool and indie" way. I think Diablo Cody wrote it best in that scene at the end in the race track with Page and Cera:
Juno: You're the coolest person I know! and without even trying!
Michael Cera: Actually, I try really hard
Jeffrey | February 1, 2008 4:55 AM
Gilmore Girls. This was a two hour version of that show, lacking even a shred of believability.
I think everyone, including the Acadamy, has to realize that indie movies with incessant witty banter isn't necessarily Oscar worthy, despite how clever the surface may appear.
Shame on Peter Travers, shame on the Acadamy, but not shame on anyone who likes it, as it wasn't a terrible flick. Just not an elite one.
JellyFishBrains | January 31, 2008 11:28 PM
Juno is a cute, fun, warm and quite entertaining film.
Why shouldnt it be nominated.
Plus come on how long did those people from Rolling Stone's office take thinking up those opinions. Those quotes don't sound "artificial" at all...
Anonymous | January 31, 2008 9:45 PM
How the hell does the Gen X vs. Gen Y fit in? Talk about pulling something out of your asses to prove a point.
MrSean | January 31, 2008 9:23 PM
This movie was wizard.
Johnny Kickass | January 31, 2008 6:16 PM
All right, Generation war!
Age-wise, I'm on the fence between the GenXrs and the Gen Y, so I've been friends with both demographics, and I have to say I like the Gen Y kids much, much more.
Hands down.
I always hated the witless, sarcastic, whiny Generation X mentality, all expressing their 'individuality' with excessive tattoos and piercings. And (shudder) grunge rock. I was embarrassed to be associated with it in any way.
Marc Cutillo | January 31, 2008 5:19 PM
Let me tell you, for all those that wonder whether Juno was too smart for the movie's own good..take one look at the scene where she is spurned by Michael Cera. She then runs in her car, puts on that red lipstick, and rushes over to the "older guy who gets her and her quirks and music." Is there a more accurate way to depict a teen's behavior in such a circumstance? And sad to say, is there a better way to represent that aging hipster 30 something than Jason Bateman's character flirting with a 16 year old??
Listen the movie did get too cutesy at times, but if Juno acted like most normal teens no one would see the film. If you want to see normal girls go to Starbucks and scratch your eardrums out as you listen to girls jibber jabber away. If you want to see unique personalities that grow up and make life fun go watch Juno.
blah | January 31, 2008 4:54 PM
you know, i really loved this movie, but i gotta say the music annoys me. with the silly lyrics and two chord structure, it pretty much represents everything people make fun of about indie music. it tries too hard to be hip and unpretentious that it almost comes off as really the opposite.
George | January 31, 2008 3:54 PM
This is the first year in a long time that every Best Picture nominee is worthy. There's not a Shakespeare in Love among em!
Nathan | January 31, 2008 3:51 PM
Geez, first the friggin' Christians were pissed over the whole teen pregnancy thing, now a bunch of phone and insurance company employees are mad because it's too hip. If you're going to take issue with a movie, at least let it be something crappy like say, every summer 2007 release.
Not Indie | January 31, 2008 3:50 PM
Indie cred? It was made by NewsCorp, owned by Rupert Murdoch and directed by the son of the guy who made Ghostbusters. Give me a break. Let's discuss something that's truly indie for once, instead of this pseudo shit.
Anonymous | January 31, 2008 2:59 PM
to Mike D:
It got nothin to do with the other movies nominated.
Have you seen all the movies released in 2007?
How can you be so sure No Country deserves to win?
The Juno HATERS are Gen-Xer's that for some reason can't stand a good movie about a cool, hip teen, the same people that hated Garden State and Little Miss Sunshine.
Gen-xer's need something to hate, but guess what people?, the 90's are over!
It's about time | January 31, 2008 2:49 PM
The Breakfast Club
Heathers
Reallity Bites
Juno
This movies did a great job portraiting certain teen characters of an specific era, with perfect soundtracks and hip dialog, Why these movie shouldn't be considered for oscars nominations?
Dont get mad because Juno is hiper then you, is just a movie, and is a really good one!
Mike D | January 31, 2008 2:48 PM
Money or no money, I agreee with every comment from the RS office. As I was watching, I asked myself 'Who talks like this?' Too many pop culture references, so little time. Good movie, not great. Sure hope it's not another another Raging Bull-Ordinary People loss for Best Picture. No Country deserves it hands-down.
Jimmy | January 31, 2008 2:39 PM
Well, this is typical and bound to happen.
Get over it, it is a great story with an aspring actress.
The timing is perfect in our Spears School of family planning....
Brilliantly simple and deserving of the oscar in all categories nominated.
Who ya, I do know Ellen Page personally...maybe it's biased, but she is Juno !!!
indie sux | January 31, 2008 2:06 PM
It's better than anything these indie/emo assholes will ever do in thier lifes.
Some create,some critic,if that.
Michael Roffman | January 31, 2008 1:58 PM
Give me a break. The movie was great, the critics all said so when the movie was an indy darling, and $100 million speaks to where the American public stands.>>>
I had these feelings when the film was at the 15 mil mark.
Bob Saget's Revenge | January 31, 2008 1:48 PM
Movie was good. The hipster references would not be considered contrived if the movie made 10 mill instead of $100. Now people want to thumb their respective nose's and pretend something else is hipper(even though they probably live in the suburbs, listen to Nickleback, and eat at Applebees).
Give me a break. The movie was great, the critics all said so when the movie was an indy darling, and $100 million speaks to where the American public stands.
You know, it is tiring worrying about hipness all the time...let the movie stand on its own darn merits and move on.
kisp | January 31, 2008 1:26 PM
I'm a Gen-Xer and I take offense to the false comments that we are disgruntled because today's teens are smarter and more exposed than we were. Gimme a break.. Juno's gone into overkill mode.
Every teen generation has had it representative characters of quirky, reluctantly mature intellectuals.
The 80's version of Juno was the Breakfast Club. Great movie, teenage angst at artform's best, but Oscar worthy? C'mon, get over it already!
Erik J | January 31, 2008 1:10 PM
PT couldn't be more on point here. 2007, more than any year in recent memory, was a year for unique voices. Was Juno too hip for its own good? Probably. But, that isn't to say No Country or TWBB were flawless. Isn't it ironic to think that the same people angered by Juno's over-the-top references and pop culture winks are paying so much attention to a stale award show like the Oscars? They should be rooting for Juno to win...because maybe that's as uncool as it gets.
Michael Roffman | January 31, 2008 1:09 PM
I think the backlash should be welcomed. I'm lost as to how people can't see through this movie. It's an indie film, sure, but written and directed no differently than one works with a paint by numbers system. That was my initial impression about fifteen minutes into the movie and the rest did little to change that mentality. And realistic? How is this film realistic? The characters are so stylized and quirky it's hard to take the subject matter at heart. At least Wes Anderson takes the time to develop a world that befits quirky characters. This film just asks us to accept them off the bat. To me, that didn't work. I'm still lost at how it's worked for everyone else. And Best Director for Reitman? I like his modesty, but when a man like Sydney Lumet is robbed of a nomination for what I consider a far more brilliant film (writing and directing), it's insulting.
But, that's just me.
So, without further ado Moldy Peaches fans... "flame" away.
Jim | January 31, 2008 12:39 PM
My problem with the movie isn't really even a problem with the movie at all. I liked it. I had a great time watching it. It's just a little overrated. But every time an indie flick is even a little bit good, everyone has to go ahead and hype it up and talk about it like it's better than it is. It happens pretty much every year. I really don't think it is deserving of best picture, let alone a nomination.
Nathan | January 31, 2008 12:18 PM
I say let the Juno haters go ahead and slit their wrists, there's too many mouth-breathers in this country as it is. Juno was great, as are all the nominated films for Best Picture this year. Stunning actually.
somebody | January 31, 2008 12:16 PM
i liked the contradictions in Juno. I don't think every teenager has to sound like a dumbass- Juno is unique, and likes what she likes. She is no one but herself how much more punk can you get?
(p.s.- you can be pro choice and not be pro abortion... the point is, she had the choice)
DT | January 31, 2008 12:00 PM
Hatin on a movie or anything else just because its successful and not the sole property of jaded trust-fund hipsters is so 1994. Remember folks, quality not quantity. Try putting some blinders on to the numbers and just enjoy whatever you like. Grow up, it will feel much better.
tel nice | January 31, 2008 11:32 AM
blah blah blah. it was funny. it had some good chevy chase one-liners, juno makes a great prego chick, and i left smiling. stop over-analyzing it. it's making money because the actors portray likable characters who the audience can relate with. hipsters be quiet.
The Dude | January 31, 2008 9:59 AM
The movie was good, but I didn't think it was great. My singular problem with the plot was that becasue Michael Cera's character didn't get a lot of screen time, I couldn't buy into the notion that he was Juno's true love. We simply didn't get a chance to truly know him, which was too bad. Jason Bateman however was awesome.
DUDE... | January 31, 2008 9:59 AM
The funniest comments on this article come from "teens" who are defending Juno from those mean, grumpy Gen-X'ers who can't handle the new wave of teens stealing their thunder.
They seem completely oblivious to the fact that Juno was written by a Gen-X'er.
Henry Barcohana | January 31, 2008 9:36 AM
thank you for that editorial peter, I could not agree with you more. It seems like everyone is obsessed with this overhyped film
Anonymous | January 31, 2008 9:08 AM
I keep reading these articles from various movie news sites about this supposed Juno backlash and when is it going to happen. Why is this the movie that every focuses on? The movie is still doing well and the soundtrack just hit #1, doesn't sound like a backlash to me. Everybody I know who sees it loves it, it seems like entertainment journalists are the only ones concerned with this "backlash"
Jack | January 31, 2008 6:38 AM
No Country should win. But Juno is great. And why does everyone love There will be Blood? Sure Day-Lewis is monumental, but the movie as a whole lacks an attachment to the audience. The attempt to use strange music in certain parts of the movie is very disconcerting, not in a good way, in a "this movie is trying to be edgy" way. Dont get me wrong, i liked it. But Juno was better, No Country was better, Darjeeling Limited was better.
Susan | January 31, 2008 4:11 AM
There are kids out there like Juno. Some of you just choose to ignore it. I totally agree with that, teens wanna be hip, they wanna talk hip, they wanna look hip and some are smartert then us.
My little brother prefers to listen to old punk then Greenday and he love's old Godzilla movies and hate the Hollywood crap like Cloverfield .
Why a comedy/teen film does not aply for a Best Picture Nomination?
The RS staffers are staring to sound like my grandpa.
Commentary often tells more about the commentator than the work | January 31, 2008 2:59 AM
These comments make me wonder a few things:
1. The movie hasn't dramatically changed since its release, so if it sucked back then, and people are only commenting on it now, who did it make a sucker of?
2. Did anyone give Joss Whedon or Kevin Smith this kind of backlash for all the pop-culture references, quick dialog, and oddly endearing female protagonists back when their works hit it big?
I don't know the answers to either of these questions, but the possible answers intrigue me, mostly because controversial art is good for us.
And the second time I saw Juno, I noticed the subtlety of Jason Bateman's character, and just how very not in control of her life Juno was. Some of us can put up better fronts than others do, and it takes a second look to notice what's actually happening between the lines of the big talk.
Mike from Waterford | January 31, 2008 2:27 AM
I have to agree with the naysayers on this one. I saw Juno a couple of months ago and found myself with an upset stomach after. In my opinion, if a script is going to try to be "hip" then for god-sake, dig a little deeper than the surface level references uncovered by these "brilliant" screenwriters.I felt kind of cheated by the laxadaisical method of speech and the forced one-liners irresponsibly scattered throughout the film. This isnt in any way positive propaganda for any of the other films in the category, just a teenager thrust in the middle of "generation Y" who felt culturally and morally cheated by this film.
Amphetadex | January 31, 2008 2:22 AM
Why is it that every generation of teenagers seems to feel the need to assert how it is smarter than previous generations have ever been, and thus more adult-like? Maybe I'm seeing things out of proportion here, I am only 22, but I swear that every generation of teens does this, and some of the milieu that have moved beyond these years hold on to this concept themselves and somehow think that, yes, kids in high schools these sure are a lot more like adults than my generation of teens ever was! In fact, it could even be well argues that it is taking longer to mature than ever before, because what is considered the requisite education minimum to get a "good job" is taking longer and longer (i.e. it is becoming more and more common for people to get not only undergraduate degrees, but also graduate degrees before entering the workforce), and because of this entry into the general workforce being delayed more greatly than ever before, it is taking that much longer for people to mature into full-fledged adulthood until they have become a part of said general workforce.
But that's just my idea.
blah blah | January 31, 2008 2:19 AM
Funny how some say this flick tries too hard to be hip: it is about a teen trying to be hip! Isn't that what teenagers do? Teenagers speak just like Juno, or have their own variation of speech. Please...
Chadd | January 31, 2008 2:04 AM
I love the fact that a film like Juno is nominated for best picture beside such drama juggernauts like Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood. People seem to be stuck in the contrived notion of thought that a best picture oscar should be given to a drama film and only a drama film. The emotional wallop that Juno delivers is extraordinary. When I experienced the film I felt like as if I were on a journey... my emotions were lead on with laughter and then brought down with tears. That's good filmaking when it has you reflecting on your own emotions and the kind of person you were as a teen or as an adult today. There are kids out there like Juno. Some of you just choose to ignore it. My question to those who ask why are teens the way they are today is why do parents parent the way they do today?
Mike | January 31, 2008 1:40 AM
I couldn’t agree more with Reality Bites, we finally have a movie where a teen is smart enough to go to Plan Parenthood and find a family to her unbourn child and all we talk is about the burger phone and Dario Argento, come on people!
Face the facts that there's a new generation that will smart our generation.
You really think that future teens will be stupid enough to hide a pregnacy? and with all these mass media information in a few years everybody will speak with pop culture references.
Juno is a very important movie and really deserves the nominations.
Reality Bites | January 31, 2008 1:26 AM
M. Woods i bet you where a teen in the 90's.
Juno is one of the best pictures of the year!!
Rob | January 31, 2008 1:23 AM
That's what is wrong with America, Why we have to think that teens have to be stupid and naivee?
My 14 year old sister is an expert on Rock history and she have a great apreciation for italian horror films, from Fulci to Argento and yes, she talks paraphrasing pop culture, shes like a weird enciclopedya of tv and movies.
If that makes her Hip or really Smart?
I think that makes her normal.
MTV and the big media are givin us a notion that teens only like stupid pop song and Paris Hilton, Juno is real and is an amazing beautiful movie.
M. Woods | January 31, 2008 1:18 AM
The only reason a Juno exists outside the movie is because the simulacra has manifested within the numb audience members searching for a personality. They may have found it before Juno, but Juno will continue the reassertion of the simulacra.
Reality Bites | January 31, 2008 1:01 AM
The truth is that all the people that hate Juno is the people who where teen agers in the 90's, they can't stand the new generation of teens that can be smart as any adult.
Generation Xer's hate movies about themselves and the Jason Bateman character in Juno is a reflexion of how the 90's generation lost it's power.
Grow up, you guys are turning in to your parents!
Don't twist words | January 31, 2008 12:48 AM
to: George S
"Thank you, Peter, for voicing what so many of us have wanted to express."
Peter din't say it, he clearly posted that "are few comments overheard around the Rolling Stone office"
Peter Travers it's obvious a Juno fan, and i am behind him.
Liz | January 31, 2008 12:36 AM
"I knew this 15 year old girl, that sounds exactly like "Juno", she know's Argento, The Thundercats and her favorite band is The Stooges, she even look's like "Juno", so there you go...
What is really happenig with Juno, is that the 90's generation teens that are now adults cant stand the new wave of smarter, open minded teens, sure in the last 10 years, we thought teens were this dum group of Disney musical and heiresses lovers, but there is an entire breed of teens that do think and that are using technology to their advance.
This translates into the arrival of the ex-grungers into the golden age that now sound like the new baby boomers. Ironically, something that is reflected in Juno in Jason Bateman's character. Forever stuck in the 90's, not realizing that the world is in the hands of a fresher Y, Z (?) generation."
I AGREE! and i am 36 years old.
Brian | January 31, 2008 12:09 AM
My problem with the movie is as such: 3 months after seeing it, I can no longer remember much of anything except that I disliked the writing, and that I thought Juno was kind of a jerk. In addition, it seems to have taken Little Miss Sunshine's lead as "the-quirky-comedy-that-could" nomination, which comes off like a transparent move by the academy to show its willingness to recognize comedies. And maybe that is grating my/some people's nerves.
George S. | January 30, 2008 11:54 PM
Thank you, Peter, for voicing what so many of us have wanted to express. This film is cheesy, cliche, and pathetic. Many of these films have me concerned for our generation, that we will have to explain these films -- Juno, Superbad, Knocked Up -- and their meaning to our children.."No, kids, this was COOL!" Sure, dad. The hamburger phone was indeed lame, as was the squiggly writing. Ellen Page is a star, as is Diablo Cody. UGHHHH. This movie drove me crazy!
Anonymous | January 30, 2008 11:08 PM
Juno is one of the best films of the year, and deserves all of the credit it receives...i dont feel like it should beat out No Country for Old Men or There Will Be Blood, but it is still a great movie...so stop bashing it just bcuz u are worried it will win...by the way, ellen page deserves an oscar, and it's as simple as that
Sam | January 30, 2008 10:23 PM
It's a good point, and a relevant one. Personally, i think if a good movie fails at the box office, it deserves good word of mouth, so that it gets the exposure it deserves. But then there's the ultimate drawback of when it becomes "too exposed", where even people with generally bad taste are embracing it. It's then that i admittedly find myself making the distinction between "good" and "important". I guess I sort of feel that in order for an actual decent film to be consumed by the masses it should be an important one. In this case, "Juno" is far less important in the film world than "No Country" or "There will be blood", and thus its overexposure has resulted negatively. Also the overwhelmingly hip name dropping that goes on in Juno, from Sonic Youth to the Stooges, is kind of unsettling when the people who latch onto the film the most would probably never even think of purchasing either artists. And also the mention of such edgy artists in a film with such a cute soundtrack that even your mother would listen to it. For me, that's a little bit disappointing for a film with balls enough for certain issues, but not enough to alienate some with a chord or two of agressive music. that's my two cents.
Ben | January 30, 2008 9:19 PM
It's ludicrous to say that making money is "the cardinal sin" for an indie movie. Why does profit suddenly take away from the film's credibility? Selling out occurs when something is altered for the sake of commercial appeal; "Juno" is the same movie that earned less than 10 million in its first 3 weeks; now that it's a hit, people want to trash it. Why? Isn't it wonderfully refreshing (not to mention hopeful) that a quirky independent movie can perform just as well as blockbusters? Because I sure as hell ain't waiting with bated breath for another Spiderman or Fantastic 4 flick.
Anonymous | January 30, 2008 9:03 PM
independent of how i feel, a question needs to be raised: how can a critic love and praise a movie when it came out and now (seemingly) hate it?
White Elephant | January 30, 2008 8:59 PM
I hated Juno when I saw it 3 months ago, not because of the Oscar nominations - for the reasons stated above.
Mr Snrub | January 30, 2008 8:56 PM
I liked Juno despite the screenplay. I think the actors and director saved this movie from itself. All the name dropping of cool bands and artsy directors did for me was draw attention to the screenwriter and it drew me out of the movie. I could see her working way too hard. "Look at me! I like cool stuff! I may be cooler than you! Look at me!!!" These elements tainted what was a sweetheart of a film, but not enough that I failed to enjoy it. My prediction is that all of this attention will make Cody a lazier screenwriter. Having this much acclaim this early could mean that she won't have to work as hard the next time and her craft will only get better by putting in that hard work. I wish her well and I hope I'm wrong.
Brian | January 30, 2008 8:50 PM
I'm 21, and generally a lover of hip indie comedies. I liked Juno, but I feel that a lot of the backlash isn't against the movie, but against the lavish praise being reaped on it. This is my backlash.
I thought the movie started out disgustingly hip, but by its conclusion, it won me over. The dialogue got a bit less hip, the burger phone went away, etc. It's flawed, for sure - the decision not to abort came awfully fast, and you never get a good sense of her relationship to Michael Cera - but it's good. Not great.
And that's the problem. This movie doesn't deserve a best picture nom. It doesn't deserve the lavish praise. That's why people are pissed and bitter.
Primavera | January 30, 2008 8:45 PM
I think it's silly for people to bash it for such little things like the season labels and the hamburger phone and such. Overall, it was a good movie, which tends to be a rare quality in movies that are actually earning money like this one. Not every single movie is an serious, epic drama like No Country or There Will Be Blood and not every movie can be blockbuster eye-candy like Transformers or Pirates of the Caribbean. I wouldn't vote or even really nominate Juno as Best Picture, but I don't think it should be put down for 1) being included with the other nominees, and 2) making money. Try keeping your mind open.
Wil | January 30, 2008 8:05 PM
I thought it was really a great movie. BUT, I haven't even seen No Country, OR There Will Be Blood, (etc) and I know that Juno shouldn't be put in with those names. It's a nice family movie with something extra: some witty dialog here and there and some sorta-graphic stuff happening every once in a while. It's Like the Little Miss Sunshine of 2007, great, but not quite THAT great.
Chris Blaisdell | January 30, 2008 7:47 PM
Glad they dropped my hometown and referenced my alma mater Minnesota State U in Mankato, after that the movie was the equivelant of stuffing 50 pounds of hip in a 5 pound bag. Things start to spill over. The Michael Cera character played affected high school kid well. Ellen Page's Juno sounded like she'd spent the last 15 years of her life being a roadie for radio head, a street kid on skid row, and a regular player on whose line is it anyway?
ShadiQu | January 30, 2008 7:21 PM
I would like it much more if people wouldnt hype it up so much.Im not saying I hate it, but when a decent movie is put in the same category as great movies (cough) No Country, it just makes me furious. Still Im not going to go as far as saying its a bad movie.
Aaron | January 30, 2008 5:10 PM
"Could Ellen Page be more affected? Her Juno doesn't sound like a teenager"
I knew this 15 year old girl, that sounds exactly like "Juno", she know's Argento, The Thundercats and her favorite band is The Stooges, she even look's like "Juno", so there you go...
What is really happenig with Juno, is that the 90's generation teens that are now adults cant stand the new wave of smarter, open minded teens, sure in the last 10 years, we thought teens were this dum group of Disney musical and heiresses lovers, but there is an entire breed of teens that do think and that are using technology to their advance.
This translates into the arrival of the ex-grungers into the golden age that now sound like the new baby boomers. Ironically, something that is reflected in Juno in Jason Bateman's character. Forever stuck in the 90's, not realizing that the world is in the hands of a fresher Y, Z (?) generation.
TheAlwaysClassyMaynard | January 30, 2008 4:49 PM
For the record, I've hated Juno since day fucking one. And I agree with all those comments. It's the fakest, most contrived piece of hipster shit ever.
And I also agree that one of th biggest reasons I hate it is because it got so big when better, more orignal comedies like Rushmore or Punch-Drunk Love or The Squid and the Whal get left behind at the box office and forgotten come awards season. IT'S NOT RIGHT!! What is wrong with the world today?
Fuck Diablo Cody.
That Cocky Internet Guy | January 30, 2008 4:45 PM
It's too cute for its own good. Good but not the end all be all of high school dramedies.
Chris Kimsey | January 30, 2008 2:11 PM
I saw Juno and thought it was a fine movie. Slightly contrived but funny and heartfelt enough to overcome its undeniably overwrought screenplay. People have a tendency to be excessively harsh to a good movie that is being hailed as great, to tip the scales back, I suppose. I don't understand why the screenplay is getting such kudos, but Ellen Page and Jason Reitman I have no doubt are extremely talented and have made, as I said, a fine movie, unfairly maligned, but also undeservingly heaped with praise.