"Juno" could have gone wrong in so many ways, but it doesn't, which makes for a minor movie miracle.

How often is a film knocked because its 16-year-old heroine is almost too darn smart and observant? Not often, that's for sure, although listening to the dialogue is as refreshing as bursting into the crisp winter air after being trapped in a stuffy, overheated hall.

The world according to Juno includes:

• This reaction to an open adoption: "Can't we just kick this old school? I could put the baby in a basket and send it your way. You know, like Moses in the reeds."

• This response to an offer of something to drink: "What is it with you rich people and your herb-infused juices?"

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'Juno'

• Starring: Ellen Page, Michael Cera.
• Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic material, sexual content and language.
• Web site: Juno

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• This background on naming her guitar Roosevelt, in honor of FDR: "He was the hot one with polio."

Yes, the title character of Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) is not your typical 16-year-old Minnesotan, starting with her goddess name and reaction to her unplanned pregnancy by friend Bleeker ("Superbad's" Michael Cera), a quiet classmate who is a member of the school's track team.

After Juno decides to have the child and place it for adoption, she shops for prospective parents in the Penny Saver classifieds. She settles on an affluent suburban couple -- Vanessa and Mark Loring, beautifully played by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman -- and then breaks all of this news to her father and stepmother.

Juno's dad (J.K. Simmons) is a heating and air-conditioning specialist, and his second wife (Allison Janney) is a nail technician. He accompanies Juno to the Loring house, a place with a three-car garage, fresh flowers, reed infusers, a Pilates machine and a woman who is almost afraid to hope this high school junior will finally make her a mother. Her husband keeps his emotions in check, but his coolness factor clicks with Juno.

The movie, written by a woman who calls herself Diablo Cody and directed by Jason Reitman ("Thank You for Smoking"), follows Juno as she tries to figure out what's best for her baby and herself, and if happiness is ever possible in these days of fractured families.

"Juno" is starting to chalk up awards or nominations for breakthrough star Page and the movie itself, and they are deserving. The writer occasionally is a bit too cute -- in a couple of scenes, Juno clenches an unlighted pipe as if she were Ward Cleaver -- but Cody nails the details of disapproving and disdainful looks sent the teen's way, unexpected support and Juno's seemingly cavalier attitude that is put to the test.

Page is a delight as Juno, a slip of a girl who has quirky tastes in music, movies, even the man of her dreams. Played by Cera, he's a boy who thinks if he runs enough he can distance himself from what's really happening.

The adults are well drawn without being caricatures: Simmons and Janney are parents who may have hidden reserves of wisdom after all, while Garner is a woman whose baby lust and dread about possible disappointment radiates from every pore. Bateman embodies that hip adult who can talk about rock 'n' roll or comic books without appearing silly.

Just when you think you know where "Juno" is heading, it takes a slight, surprising detour. After a few beats, you may be able to predict the destination, but it proves as satisfying and true as the movie.