I am a huge fan of the excellent Jason Reitman film Juno released in 2007. Even though it's been 17 years since it was released, I still regularly find my inner cinephile hankering after this stone cold classic, or at the very least craving a wee read around the subject matter, perhaps open up the Wikipedia page or find a YouTube analysis of the film.
Why is Juno so good?
As well as an unwavering sense of nostalgia that keeps me returning to this film, there's also a hypnotic je ne sais quoi about Juno that keeps it fresh no matter how many times I revisit this work of art. Maybe it's that I was an impressionable young whippersnapper in the year 2008 when I first discovered Juno, or the fact that Jason Reitman were absolutely at the top of their game when they released said film. It's hard to pinpoint something so transcendental. Once you love a piece of art you become faithful to it's ethos.
Juno is a film that is still relevant
One thing's for sure though, Juno has stood the test of time and then some. It remains as powerful and relevant today as it did in 2007. And why wouldn't it? With witty and clever script like that, it's no wonder people return to this film again and again. I can't imagine life without it John.
Jason Reitman knocked it out the park
But it's not just the witty and clever script that make this film great. It's the overall package. The endearing performances by Ellen Page and Michael Cera is a tour de force. The unique and memorable soundtrack is integral, as is the heartwarming story of Juno's journey. And who can forget authentic portrayal of teenage life. When Jason Reitman created this timeless classic, never mind the ball park, they knocked this one out of the solar system. This bad boy is in danger of bothering Voyager.
Has Juno stood the test of time?
Of course, there are other films out there to be argued for. Harder, better, faster, stronger. Some might argue that The Shawshank Redemption is better than Juno, or that Frank Darabont is better than Jason Reitman. They may well have a point. But for me, Juno will always hold a special place in my heart. And 17 years tickling the meridian response does not lie.
Juno in conclusion
To sum up, Juno is a wonderful thing, a film of unrivalled quality. It's a film that has etched itself into the psyche, distributing untold tingles up the spine, hogging synapses and monopolising neurons that could otherwise be put to use appreciating more important, or perhaps more useful information. But no matter what life throws at me, I know I can always rely on Juno to deliver the goods.