JUNO, JU LOOK MAHVELOUS!

Okay, okay, I don't get out much. Well, clearly not as often as I should. Not nearly enough.

I'm a little out of touch.

But I finally went to a movie today--JUNO, the delightful indie comedy released by Fox Searchlight that was made on a shoestring and made its investment back in the blink of an eye. But why not? It's smart, funny, and just plain fun. A young geeky teenage girl has a thing for her equally geeky lab partner who, until now, has been more active on the track team than in pursuing an active sex life. But the two best friends try the deed one night and, wham-bam-thank you, ma'am, the seed is accidentally planted. Juno's journey through this pregnancy is the core of the film, which should have folks laughing for years to come. Jason Reitman ("Thank You for Smoking") directs Diablo Cody's delightfully screwy screenplay with aplomb, and Ellen Page gives a smashing breakthrough performance as the pregnant teen, Juno. There is able support from her father and stepmother (played by the always wonderful J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney), and Michael Cera (who scored as the teen on the TV comedy, "Arrested Development" and in the summer's hit, "Superbad") is absolutely delightful as Juno's nerdy suitor. Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman give spot-on performances as the couple who aspire to adopt Juno's baby. Olivia Thirlby is also wonderful as Juno's best friend/confidante, and even Rainn Wilson ("The Office") turns in a humorous cameo. Clearly made to the filmmakers' particular taste versus mass market assumptions, the resulting film is clear-headed, original, touching and fun. With a lot of award-nominated films fighting for your attention (and your dollars), it's hard to know which to pick, but JUNO is an original that will standout as a genuine charmer.