Pork Swords

C - Juno, a pregnant teenager with the wit and wisdom of a much older woman.
L - Somewhere cold, like Utah, but not as obnoxiously quirky and annoying.
O - A mailbox full of Tic-Tacs.
S - Eating lunch in the school trophy case.
A - Taking a swig of Sunny-D.
T - No matter how terrible the situation may be, all life is worth keeping, if only for the kinds of changes that can make one's own life all the more spectacular.

Today's CLOSAT is dedicated to Juno which is far and away the best film I've seen all year, and quite possibly one of the best films I've ever seen. The dialogue is crackling with wit not seen in hardly any films these days, and the story contains more heart than most dramas. Cinematic bliss is probably the only way to describe the experience. It was an awesome reminder as to why I went into film in the first place: to make films that matter, as well as entertain.

At first off-putting (too witty for its own good), I soon warmed to the sort of wacky nature of the film's presentation, thanks it part to its incredibly convincing performances, specifically from Ellen Page, who just simply knocks it out of the park. She owns the role of Juno, riding the thin line between quirk and heart with so much ease. J.K. Simmons is another standout, whose warmth and charm as Juno's father is unbelievably amazing. The rapport between the two of them is truly a sight. Jason Bateman is a joy, as usual, as is the impeccable Michael Cera. Allison Janney is her usual snarky self, and Jennifer Garner pulls in a surprising performance, capable of being icy cold in one moment, only to become the warm matriarch she is destined to be. It's simply one of those dream casts, with not a weak link among them. They all shine, taking hold of a film that is, all at once, grounded in reality, yet floating in fantasy.

I can't recommend it enough. I really can't. Find it, wherever you are. Find it, and see it, and love it. Films just don't get much better. I promise.