Going Steady

This occasionally interesting story about a high school couple who get married and pregnant is written, directed and acted like a TV sitcom, with a supporting character who looks like a clean-cut Maynard G. Krebs, a father who does everything but pour steam out of his ears and lots of double takes and loud reactions. In the middle of this the highly professional cinematography of Benjamin Kline is occasionally jarringly beautiful and dramatic, particularly when he moves the camera to preserve composition. The net effect is neither funny, compelling or educational, but is a near-total misfire. Not bad enough to be interesting, not good enough to be watchable, no talent with a past or future except for Mr. Kline and Byron Foulger.