Stray Bullets

Though this suspense drama about two small-town youths who run afoul of fleeing big-city criminals feels a couple story beats short of a satisfying whole, it's admirably well-crafted within its mostly savvy limitations.

The auteur's age, precociousness and pedigree automatically make "Stray Bullets" an item of interest, although fans of the Fessenden clan will be pleased to know that the movie's also pretty entertaining and only a little bit amateurish.

Mr. Fessenden's ambition is admirable, and there's more than a little raw skill on display. If this, his first feature, isn't always worth recommending, his talents are certainly worth encouraging.

Some nice atmospheric touches are hardly warranted by the film's threadbare substance.