Juno (2007) 12A

No film handles the very real issues of adolescence with more articulate pull than Juno. There’s no more testing teenage curveball than an unplanned pregnancy and it befalls Juno MacGuff (here played with great charm by Ellen Page) to traverse a very grown up reality, which she attempts to insulate with a wealth of sarky irony. 

Indie sensibilities and an evocative lo-fi soundtrack give Juno an endearing appeal. It hits some emotional buttons whilst retaining a high level of wit - witness Juno’s best girlfriend Leah (Olivia Thirby) suggesting looking at the ads for adoptive parents in the Penny Saver: “they have ‘Desperately Seeking Spawn,’ right next to the pet ads.” The cast is great. Wonderfully led by Page, it boasts some compelling performances from ever popular Michael Cera as unsuspecting procreator Paulie, J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney as Juno’s unconventionally supportive family and Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner as uptight yuppies pitching themselves as potential adoptive parents.

A treat from start to finish, enjoy Juno with us at The Hoxton, Shoreditch where a cocktail and popcorn are included with each ticket. You’re sure to leave with a spring in your step for, as Peter Bradshaw notes: “this film is a happy pill."