by Larry Richman
September 8, 2007 10:07 PM

I just got back from the gala screening of Jason Reitman's Juno at the Ryerson Auditorium here at the Toronto International Film Festival. I'll have more to say about the film when I get the chance -- I'm pressed for time right now -- but I just have to report on how amazing this night was.

For starters, the film got a standing ovation. That's no small accomplishment at any film festival, especially this one. And it went on and on and on. In fact, I saw over 30 films here last year and I don't recall an audience response like this. What's even more amazing is that the films that do get standing ovations, rare as they are, tend to be dramas or documentaries. This is a comedy/drama and it just doesn't happen. It was surprising.

Juno has one of the most talented ensemble casts imaginable -- Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Olivia Thirlby, J.K. Simmons, Allison Janney -- and they hit it out of the park. It's hard to single anyone out but this is Ellen Page's film more than anyone, and she is just breathtaking.

It seemed as if everyone associated with the film were there, and many took the stage for the Q&A afterward. The entire cast was there. I took a lot of shots of the Q&A and some video of the last question.

I'll be posting them as soon as I can. Here's one quick pic -- I need to upload more when I get the chance. I just couldn't resisting putting up at least one.


Click thumbnail to enlarge


Ellen Page and Michael Cera