JUNO

It’s THE LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE of this year. And Emily Page is the acting find, as Abigail Breslin, the little girl actress in MISS SUNSHINE, was (as her male counterpart in the film, Micahel Cera is to Jon Heder, of NAPOLEAN DYNAMITE cult status).

Is it a little preciously “independent?” Sure. Over the top cleverly teenaged “now?” Yep. Probably pretty implausible when it comes to the realities it’s dealing with? Absolutely.

But so effin’ charming (notice I’m trying to reduce my foul language quotient, but it does sound fake doesn’t it? Always did to me when it came from me, anyway) it’s irresistible.

The screenwriter, who renamed herself Diablo Cody (which is over-the-top clever enough, but it works, as in I didn’t have to look up her name once I first read about her, how true would that be for most screenwriters, clever girl) is the new sensation in Hollywood, which is good, and will probably last longer given these more women-in-positions-of-power days as opposed to when Callie Khouri (had to look it up) faced the same sensational response after THELMA & LOUISE but was barely heard from (at least in the media) again.

An Oscar screenwriting nomination is almost guaranteed, as is an acting one for Emily Page, who carries the movie on her shoulders, or rather the strength of her quirky character’s edgy sweetness and smile. Some stars are born.