Juno (2007)

Juno is a film that operates in the quirky world of Juno MacGuff, a sarcastic and quick-witted high school student who gets pregnant in a non-conventional way with her best friend and running athlete, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera, of Superbad fame, one of my favorite comedies). The film centers around a usually dramatic subject and takes away the serious tone for more modern issues, as teen pregnancy isn't as new to us these days as it would have been ten years ago.

Without the serious tone to the film, it's able to focus on Juno's perspective rather than everyone's reactions to her decision to have her child. It's a journey for her, and a great attempt for Ellen Page to show us how she handles a lead role. Juno's plot doesn't really have a goal aside from conceiving her bundle of joy. But we see development in not only herself, but her relationships with Paulie and the family who plans to adopt her child, who also make their own changes through Juno's efforts. This movie takes parenthood to a whole different level of understanding, and with an open mind I think there is a lesson to be learned within her colorful, exaggerated world.

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

I can't really say why I decided to watch this one. The closest thing I could give to a reason would be that I heard through a few of my friends that it was worth checking out.

To be truthful, Harold & Kumar isn't the most impressive work of comedy in the Wal-Mart bargain bin. It is what it is, an adventure of two minorities living in the U.S. through early adulthood stages with goals of getting ass and smoking pot. The hilarity ensues through the various characters they meet along the way which proves for a good amount of cameos from other actors, memorably Ryan Reynolds and Anthony Anderson. As for the main characters, aside from their reactions, there wasn't much humor in their personalities. Though I will say they were well developed by the end of the film.

It's basically a ridicules journey to self-satisfaction to mow on some fast food, and along the way the duo realize that they need to stick up for themselves in a prejudice society that lacks understanding, though thats probably giving the movie too much credit. Just like those tiny White Castle burgers, you get what you ask for, and if a movie about weed jokes and toilet humor is on your menu, you're sure to enjoy it.