What makes the film ultimately successful, though, is the outstanding comic talents that inhabit it, especially Zahn and Macy.

Drama, swift action, and low-key, character-driven comedy.

It doesn't really hang together. And waaay too much style. Pity.

Doesn't go the distance in either story or style, unwilling to liberate itself from real or presumed expectations about what it takes to sell a movie featuring teenagers.

A biting satire of military myopia and political double-dealing -- possibly the best wartime comedy since Robert Altman's "M*A*S*H."

A generally dumb movie with a smart, appealing, gutsy leading lady.

It has every element necessary to be a classic, and it never comes anywhere near achieving that potential.

It's witty, entertaining, often funny as hell and even, at times, surprisingly wise about the human condition.

The audience is ready for an unhappy ending -- and Hollywood should have the courage to provide it.

A good, though unremarkable, film.

If McCulloch can draw this much humanity out of his actors, and do it in comedies with a deceptively easygoing poignancy, he's definitely a director to watch.