U-571 is more corny than K-19, but it's also more riveting.
This movie is wildly inaccurate. The American Navy had fuck all to do with acquiring enigma machines. But that's not the point.
The point is: depth charges. Depth charges must be one of the most suspenseful cinematic devices out there. Get some good editing, a great set, and a little Harvey Keitel and you've got yourself a stew going. All the interpersonal conflicts and subplots are thin, but they keep things interesting until the back half with all the depth charges. The last hour is adrenaline excellence.
McConaughey and the surrounding ensemble all do good work. It just takes one guy who cannot convincingly look up at the ceiling while sweating to ruin your submarine movie. Thankfully that doesn't happen here.