Iffy for 14+
Brilliant teen pregnancy comedy, but iffy for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this well-written, warmhearted comedy tackles a very serious subject: teen pregnancy. It has real bite, as well as frank sex talk and some swearing, which makes it iffy for younger viewers. But there's plenty here to appeal to older teens -- not the least of which is Superbad's Michael Cera, who co-stars. Unlike a lot of teen-centric Hollywood fare, the film doesn't condescend. Even its treatment of teen pregnancy, which may appear cavalier at first, comes across as sensitive and mature in the end.
- Families can talk about teen sex and pregnancy. Can you think of other movies and TV shows that have tackled these subjects? How does this film approach the topics differently? Does Juno's journey seem realistic? What about how she handles her situation? Do you think things would be likely to work out similarly in real life? What are your family's beliefs about teen sex? Are teens and parents in agreement or not?
The good stuff
-
Messages: Teens engage in premarital sex and don't appear to treat their virginity very seriously. Serious issues, such as abortion, are treated with irreverence. But little of it feels disrespectful; rather, it appears to reflect a general sense of hyperawareness among today's teens. Despite her jaded exterior, Juno is intelligent, resilient, and resourceful, and ultimately acts out of concern and love.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Nothing but verbal sparring.
-
Sex: Plenty of talk -- this is, after all, a movie about a teenager who gets pregnant -- but little is seen onscreen. There are flashes of a 16-year-old's bare legs and hints that she and her partner have removed their underwear, but there's no real nudity (though the boy takes his shirt off, the girl keeps hers on). Words like "humping" are bandied about to discuss hookups, some of which are described as "magnificent." A young couple kisses tenderly.
-
Language: Strong for a PG-13. Language is both colorful (lots of variations on the words "s--t," as well as uses of "a--hole," "bastard," and "dick") and creative ("f--ketty"). Juno flashes the finger once.
-
Consumerism: Juno drinks from a bottle of Sunny D (label clearly visible); mentions of Smirnoff Ice, Boons, Adderall, Sonic Youth, Pellegrino, and Vitamin water. Much swooning over guitar brands like Les Paul and Fender.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Discussion of both drinking and taking drugs, but no glimpses of actual use of either. Juno mentions selling her Adderall (an ADD drug).
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Cute movie, good one to see with your teen. Very real depiction by moviefanwith3kids
The movie was cute. It was well acted and the story line was simple but intrueging.
I do not have teens but if I did I would take them to see the movie just to maybe get a better idea of this is what you might experience if you end up pregnant. The twist in the movie was a surprise and again another real experience that might just happen. The supporting actors played by Junos Stepmom and Dad added to the moives authenticity quality. They did what any good parents should do.
It is worth seeing
5
Juno is a must see! by danickchick
Not your typical teenage movie, Juno sheds a humorous attitude towards the touchy subject of teenage pregnancy. Yet the true meaning and emotions in all seriousness lie embedded in the comedy. The struggle of a young girl with something "way above her maturity level" and the triumph of love that sees no age through it all.
funny and tender
a must see!
5
One of the best films Ive seen in over 20 years by drewinsf
After completely giving up on American movies, I was surprised. This film has all the ingredients of a classic.
Juno grabs you from the first minute..it tackles the topic of teenage life and unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy, abortion, adoption, and divorce, from a very VERY human perspective. You really start to get emotionally involved in the characters outcome, which is rare for a film these days.
Unpredictable, real, funny beyond belief, Juno is one of the smartest and ear grabbing scripts I have ever heard or seen , and tremendously acted by all involved.
Compared to the typical Hollywood schlock that comes from LA (example, National Treasure), this movie ROCKS
5
Refreshing and smartly written by jaybird0215
Could have been a retread of the same ol' high school girl gets pregnant theme, but because of the smart writing and great acting, the movie turns out to be fresh, insightful and touching.
5
Juno by Friedy
Loved it. Great writing, great acting. Was ready to watch it again as soon as the movie ended. My 12 year old daughter and her friend loved it as well. It is definitely more for mature kids. Even if none of it surprises them, they might feel funny about watching it with a parent!
5
Juno this is an awesome movie! by allgrownup06
I decided to take my 13 and 12 year old to watch this movie since it is about teenage pregancy. I was expecting to watch an "alright" movie. All I can say is "WOW". The storyline, slang, and high school troubles were on right on target. Now I can see why this movie is up for an Oscar. There was a few bad words and clips of intimacy. On a couple of occasions, I had my kids turn their heads/cover their eyes....nothing was shown. Thinking about going back to see the flick again!! :)
5
Juno by lubascoutaol.com
It was the best movie ever totally recomend it
5
Loved it! by beckyloo83
This movie had moral value, wit, humor, and sadness. I wouldn't agree that it was supposed to be a movie to teach teens not to have sex, not that I'm against that. It was a movie to tell a story about life, growing up too fast, and the love of a child. I don't think it's a movie for small children as I saw a mother bring her 7 or 8 year old to the viewing I saw.
3
The Juno Trend by Ruby_Redz
Unfortunately, I didn't get what the hype was all about with this movie. My opinion it is glamorizes teen pregnancy, with parents ooops I mean friends, who are excepting of their expectant teenage daughter. I get that it is dark humor type film, I just didn't get that same warm and fuzzy feeling everyone else did. I looked to deep into the movie's message and felt it perhaps promoted teen pregnancy. It's ridiculous, very unrealistic and really not that funny after all. I hope this is the last glorified teen pregnancy movie released.