For most of us, being 16 was a difficult time filled with raging hormones, strict parents, boring classes and trouble with relationships. Life as a 16-year-old for Juno MacGuff has all the same difficulties and more; she’s pregnant.

“Juno,” a Fox Searchlight film, takes a comedic look at how complicated life can become after an unplanned pregnancy.

Juno, played by Ellen Page (“X-Men: The Last Stand”), simultaneously loses her virginity and becomes impregnated by her crush Paulie Bleeker, played by Michael Cera (“Superbad”). Taking matters into her own hands, Juno searches the “Penny Saver” listings for a family looking to adopt. She finds an edgy, yet loving family in Mark and Vanessa Loring, played by Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner. As Juno admits her pregnancy to her parents and prepares to give birth to her child, hilarity and countless awkward moments ensue.

The film, directed by Jason Reitman (“Thank You For Smoking”), was one of the most acclaimed at the Toronto International Film Festival and is a fine example of what the movie industry is in desperate need of.

Rarely are big budget movies as genuine, sincere, and true to life as “Juno.” The superb acting creates easily relatable characters that draw in the audience and manage to make the audience feel concerned for the characters, as if she were a long-time friend.

Disregard the all-star cast though, the true star here is 20-year-old Ellen Page. Her wily wit and cynical sarcasm keep the dialogue interesting and organic, leaving the viewer laughing and hanging on every word. Page looks and plays the part of an aloof 16-year-old to perfection, and the chemistry with her on-screen father and step-mom, played by J. K. Simmons and Allison Janney, is uncannily realistic.

Page was easily forgettable in 2006’s “X-Men: The Last Stand,” but that just goes to show how good writing makes a difference. Diablo Cody, who wrote “Juno,” obviously has a knack for writing painfully true coming-of-age tales with sassy and snappy dialogue. Her combination of sharp comedy and poignant drama allows Page to flourish as an actress.

Cera, Page’s counterpart, delivers the same quirkiness and subtle teenage shy guy humor that made him famous in this summer’s hit, “Superbad.” The combination of these two budding young stars leaves Fox with one heck of a potential blockbuster on their hands.

The reason I say “potential” is because this is an indie film, meaning it will only be shown in select theaters. Most indie films have a tendency to be overlooked in theaters, but develop a cult following when released on video.

An exception to this rule would be 2006’s “Little Miss Sunshine,” which did surprisingly well in theaters and went on to win two Academy Awards, including one for “Best Original Screenplay.” I could see that same fortune befalling “Juno.”

Besides “Superbad,” “Juno” is the best movie I have seen this year. It’s inherently charming and brutally honest, and it makes for a nice holiday film. It definitely deserves to be considered come this award season.

Brandon Fleshman can be reached at [email protected]