MANILA, Philippines - A self-aware pregnant teen discovers bittersweet truisms about unplanned parenthood and growing up in ?Juno,? a wickedly smart and moving comedy-drama hybrid. It?s only been months since another film, ?Knocked Up,? delved into unexpected pregnancy and its repercussions. Like that movie, ?Juno? captures its emotionally cornered characters? complexities and flaws.

Effortless

Almost effortlessly, it traverses filial and romantic conflicts, giving insightful takes on a host of subjects. While the expectant 16-year-old Juno MacGuff (played by the talented Ellen Page) is incredibly smart for her age, she doesn?t think twice about the possible consequences of a tryst with her best friend, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera).

This shocks some people but, as her stepmother (Allison Janney) wryly puts it, teens do get bored and have sex. Juno?s father (J.K. Simmons) is supportive of his strong-willed daughter?s decision to keep the baby and give it up for adoption later. Juno spots perfect adoptive parents, Vanessa and Mark (Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman), in an ad, looking pretty ?even in black and white.?

?Juno? sparkles with wit and energy right from the start. Diablo Cody?s screenplay has smooth, playful touches, especially when presenting the characters with separate speech patterns. The teenagers have their own hip lingo; they adjust their speech when interacting with adults. The adults are portrayed with distinct attention to educational backgrounds and class?which the script cleverly exploits for humor or poignancy.

The screenplay?s verve, Jason Reitman?s direction, a cast that doesn?t disappoint, and a cute soundtrack make the film truly fascinating.

Praise for Oscar-nominated Page here is well-deserved. People may recognize her as the intangible mutant Kitty Pride from the hit superhero flick ?X-Men 3.? In ?Juno,? the young actress shines from the get-go and makes that wisecracking pregnant girl an admirable, imperfect and sympathetic figure.

Though Juno is also irritable and talkative, she doesn?t annoy or bore because Page enlivens her with cockiness and fragility. The character explains that her name was inspired by the Roman goddess Juno, who?s supposedly ?beautiful and mean, like Diana Ross.?

Rare bundle

Garner (formerly of ?Alias?) is affecting as the chosen adoptive mother who is obsessive with details. Cera is just right as the Tic-Tacs-addicted dorky father.

?Juno? makes one ponder the coming-of-age discoveries and disconnections of the ?cautionary whale.? Spirited references to Sonic Youth, punk music, and Argento films flavor snappy banter. The film makes you giggly, reflective and a little sad. It?s such a rare bundle of pluses in one movie these days.