You're right, they're 'nice.'
...but they don't "Pop"
I have no advice, but did the pics or the negs "Pop" ? Did they loose the feeling in the scan? Are you trying to add something during your post processing?
What program are you using after you scan? I shoot only digital right now, so I'm used to getting everything into photoshop after I shoot it.
I see either one of these shots with the subject with the same focus, but blur the hell out of the back ground, OR give some more contrast to the dark and light areas to see what effect that has. Heck, get risky and try both.
That's just my $0.02 worth. If you lived in Australia, they'd round it down to the nearest 5 cents. That means I'd have just given you nothing.
Take it as you will, but if you try something, post it here and let me check it out.
Yours,