Since the crux of the tale is a teenager's decision about an unwanted pregnancy, "Lebanon, Pa." can't possibly please everyone. But Hickernell doesn't strain to be provocative.

Not perfect, but vastly superior to most of the Hollywood dreck we've been getting lately, Lebanon, Pa. is a thoughtful and perceptive film well worth recommending.

This is a plea for self-described indie filmmakers to stop utilizing hyper-polished technique to talk about human misery.

Starts off like a self-serious Garden State and ends up like a self-serious Juno.