As someone who sees her share of flicks, it is so gratifying to have a film exceed your expectations, especially when it looks so good in the teaser.
Juno is such a film (check out the good stuff). A fantastically quirky flick that is both hilarious and honest. (My sellout blurb, just for you).
A great soundtrack (not yet released) is infused into the film but does not distract from it. I am sold on the Moldy Peaches and immediately returned from the screening to download their infinitely catchy tunes.
The screening was attended by talented director Jason Reitman (Thank You for Smoking) and star J.K. Simmons (he plays papa MacGuff). Reitman gushed about lucking out in grabbing occasional stripper Diablo Cody’s screenplay and the great opening title animation. He met the animators of the latter while running the short film fest circuit and has stuck with them ever since. And of course, he hit the Palm Springs Short Fest while climbing up Hollywood’s tricky ladder (no need to hang from dad Ivan’s coattails). Another great rep for the world of shorts!
Juno is playing this Friday as the opener for the AFI Comes to Palm Springs fest, and due for limited release in December.