The only completely successful part of the plot involves Margie Flynn, Francis's new girl friend. She's a teen with a terrible secret burning deep within her. Jena Malone from LIFE AS A HOUSE plays Margie with touching tenderness, and the romance between her and Francis is sweet and genuine.

The rest of the movie has its problems, but none more so than the big tragedy that is telegraphed from almost the beginning. Similarly, no sooner does Margie tells us that she is repressing a big secret than she instantly reveals it. Why do writers diminish their own work by giving away their big surprises? This is just sloppy writing. Give the audience a little more credit.

With its underage drinking, drug taking, vandalism, desecration of religious statues and dangerous pranks, the movie isn't afraid to tackle controversial subjects. I just wish it had found more interesting and original things to say about them. I also wish that there might be a filmmaker somewhere who would be willing to take some real risks. Make a modern movie about Catholic schools in which they are not held in ridicule. Then again, don't waste your time. It'll never get greenlighted by the studios.

THE DANGEROUS LIVES OF ALTAR BOYS runs 1:45. It is rated R for "language, sexual content and youth substance use" and would be acceptable for older teenagers.