Critique the Critic

James Berardinelli a regular “Top Critic” on the well-known web site, rottentomatoes.com tends to give an honest, and sincere opinion of films, yet does not care about hurting other people’s feelings. In this review, Berardinelli expresses the fact that the movie Juno, directed by Jason Reitman, isn’t your average romantic comedy but is littered with wit, humor and love.
While first reading the review, Berardinelli spends quality time talking about how much underground hype the movie has received. While reading this I assumed that this might take away from the film, possibly building it up too much. As the review continues, Berardinelli shifts from facts about the premier at the Telluride Film Festival, to how this is a “hybrid” romantic comedy. He states that Juno “is smart, witty, and engaging - three ingredients that, when applied to any film, comprise a recipe for success.” Berardinelli expresses why this movie is such a treasure, because it is not your typical Cameron Diaz flick, it has substance, without being too heavy. He also makes the point that it is a smart movie, that the dialogue is impeccable, which you don’t see often in movies. I think that in this review he sold the movie with this paragraph:

"Juno isn't one of those "laugh riots" that will have audience members rolling in the aisles, getting fake popcorn butter and spilled soda all over their clothing. Instead, it's funny in a sassy way - the kind of humor that causes a lot of smiles and chuckles to go along with the occasional stomach-jiggling laugh. The script is polished to near perfection. Almost everything that Juno says is worth listening to, whether it's dialogue that comes out of her mouth or her thoughts expressed in a voiceover narrative."

Another element of this review that I agree with and think is important is the performance of the cast with the leading roles of Ellen Page and Michael Cera. The critic especially raves about Ellen Page’s performance as a teenager who is faced with a very adult situation, being pregnant. She portrays a witty, matter of fact kind of girl, who is looking for a loving family for the baby she is carrying. Berardinelli doesn’t forget the rest of the cast, including Jason Bateman, Allison Janey, J.K. Simmons and Jennifer Garner all greatly contribute to this film, but says: “However, all of these actors, as good an experienced as they may be, are simply orbiting Page's star. This is her film from start to finish.”
In all James Berardinelli writes a very good review for this film, giving the movie 3 ½ starts out of 4. I think that this review covered all the bases, and I completely agree with it. Even though I have seen Juno, if I hadn’t seen it, this would have influenced me to spend $8.50 and watch this movie. Berardinelli, in my opinion did a good job of being thorough, and honest throughout this critique.

“Juno is the kind of the film where a viewer almost needs to look for a reason to dislike it for it not to work. It's charming without being saccharine. It's funny without being rude or dishonest. It's smart without being smart-assed. And it's got enough heart to keep the comedic elements in check.”

Berardinelli ended this review by bringing up one of the best elements a movie can leave you with; Juno keeps you thinking after you’ve left the theater, marking a truly good movie.