"Even the most convinced Juno lovers tend to agree that the movie's first quarter is excruciatingly arch. Scanning the critical response to Juno, I was struck by the near-universality of this observation: Though initially off-putting, the movie eventually worms its way into the viewer's heart. Many critics, including me, pointed to the 20-minute mark as the point when irritation gave way to affection."

"It is so very rare to sit with an audience that leans forward with delight and is in step with every turn and surprise of an uncommonly intelligent screenplay. It is so rare to hear laughter that is surprised, unexpected and delighted. So rare to hear it coming during moments of recognition, when characters reflect exactly what we'd be thinking, just a moment before we get around to thinking it. So rare to feel the audience joined into one warm, shared enjoyment. So rare to hear a movie applauded."