<p>It’s much better than you’d think, perhaps because Aaron Sorkin (creator of The West Wing) wrote the screenplay.</p>
<p>Its a true story Sorkin and the author of the book had two great characters and a great story to work with.</p>
<p>We also saw Charlie Wilson’s War last night. Great movie if you want something light but humorous.</p>
<p>I agree it was a light movie but the true story behind the movie was anything but light. I think it was given a light treatment because Charlie is such a lovable character. He is also the person who more than any other single individual drove the Soviets out of Afghanistan. The Soviet defeat in Afghanistan was a very large factor in the crumbling of the USSR. Not a bad days work for Good Time Charlie.</p>
<p>I might think twice about an 11 year old for Juno, but wholeheartedly recommend the movie for older teens and everyone else. Went yesterday with 24 yr old D and 19 yr old S…who went along b/c Mom was paying…we all loved it,from different angles and for different reasons. S loved that men were portrayed more three dimensonally than usual in “chick flicks” and not as “the root of all evil”.Also he loved the sound track. D and I cried at the same scene,same time.I loved the screenplay even though as a previous poster has said, teens at 16 just wouldnt be so witty. Also loved the family dynamic of Juno and her parent/stepparent.Three thumbs up from our house!</p>
<p>We loved Juno too! Highly recommended. The Kite Runner was excellent too, in a totally different way. It is disturbing, but well acted and an engrossing story.</p>
<p>Another thumbs up for Juno - saw it with 17-year-old daughter and 70-year-old mother, and we all loved it. Maybe Juno herself isn’t your typical teenager, humor-wise, but I think there are quite a few teenage girls who come close and even more who wish they could.</p>
<p>I was so impressed with Ellen Page’s performance in Juno, that I watched Hard Candy on my cable system, which came out a couple of years ago. At that time, she was a 17 year old portraying a 14 year old psycho girl who wreaks vengence on a presumed internet child predator. Another phenomenal performance, but I’d suggest only watching the first third of the movie to get a sample of her work, especially if you’re squeamish. Definitely not for the kids. She is a true talent, and Juno is probably the most fully realized film I’ve seen this year. Warm, funny, and moving, even for the guys.</p>
<p>My whole family enjoyed Charlie Wilson’s War - it was even historically enlightening. Interesting how it is now finally politically correct to present the evil empire as the evil empire, even in Hollywood. There was much to admire in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, but I found the resolution to be dissatisfying. </p>
<p>The sleeper of the year is Gone Baby Gone, directed by Ben Affleck, of all people, which I saw the other night. A gritty, textured private investigator story about a missing child, adapted from a book by the author of Mystic River, that I think is a better movie than Mystic River. Incredible performances by Ed Harris and Amy Ryan, and a strong, natural performance by Ben’s brother Casey as the lead. The film is totally absorbing. Ben might be irritating as an actor and a personality, but he is impressive as a first time director.</p>
<p>I agree completely about Gone Baby Gone. It’s the only movie I’ve paid to see twice this year, and I’m surprised it hasn’t shown up on more “best” lists.</p>
<p>Ok, 3 more films in the kitty over the last 2 days.</p>
<p>Did see Across the Universe. Enjoyed it very much. I’m glad I saw it on the bog screen, as some of the visuals would be lost on a small scale.</p>
<p>Saw The Kite Runner. Having just finished (and loving) the book, it felt watered down, although it was beautifully shot & edited, and I loved the little boy that played Hassan.</p>
<p>Also saw Into the Wild. Haven’t read the book yet (I’m on a waiting list at the library). I would call it one of the best films I’ve seen this year. Really well done.</p>
<p>I still have tomorrow before I head back to work. I might make it to see Juno & Charlie Wilson’s War.</p>