The Director's Series: Jason Reitman, No. 4


Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey.

Juno (2007)
Starring: Elliott Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, and J.K. Simmons
Director: Jason Reitman
About: Reitman was on quite a roll when it came to his early films. This was his second feature, and it was nominated for Best Picture. It's a credit to Reitman and also to the script from Diablo Cody. The dialogue here crackles, as do the performances. I love the soundtrack and the way that this film is put together. There's a strong, emotional core to the story that really works for me. I remember being moved when I first saw it, and it holds up today. Surprisingly, there are three of Reitman's films I like even better. He might not be high on some people's lists, but he's long been a favorite director of mine. I love this movie.

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