Kidzworld reviews the new, romantic Zac Efron movie, The Lucky One based on a Nicolas Sparks novel.
By: Lynn Barker
Heartthrob Zac Efron takes on his first really grown-up role and admits that it scared him! (Warning: This film is rated PG-13 for some sexuality and violence).
On the Battlefield
Fighting in Iraq, Logan (Zac Efron) a young Marine Sergeant, learns that things that happen on the spur of the moment can change your life. After a narrow escape in battle, he finds a photo of a beautiful blonde girl on the ground. From that time on, death is all around him but Logan always survives. He decides to find the woman who has become his good luck charm once he’s back stateside.
Meeting Beth
After his post-traumatic stress behavior frightens his nephew, Logan’s sis sends him packing so he starts out from Colorado, with his trusty pet dog Zeus by his side, and tracks the woman in the pic down to picturesque North Carolina. She’s Beth (Taylor Schilling). She has a young son and runs a kennel where her sympathetic grandma (Blythe Danner) gives Logan a job. He doesn’t tell Beth about the picture since she is stand-offish and guarded at first but there is an attraction between the two.
The Evil Ex
Beth’s abusive, controlling ex-hubby (Jay Ferguson), a local lawman, wants back into her life. He goes ballistic and tries to sabotage the budding relationship when he sees that she and her young son Ben (Riley Thomas Stewart) are strongly bonding to Logan.
I just knew that I had to find you. - Logan
Love Grows
Just when it looks like Beth, Ben and Logan might become a family, ex-hubby makes sure that she knows Logan lied to her about the picture and tracking her down. Mistrust flowers, tears flow and doubt almost breaks up the new couple until fate/destiny steps in and makes everything right again.
Wrapping Up
Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling
Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling
All the movies based on Nicolas Sparks novels (The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Dear John etc.) are weepy and mushy but full of believable human characters looking for love. The chemistry between Zac and Taylor is strong and sweet. Zac’s Logan is very believable as the baby-faced but battle-worn, conflicted hero who desperately wants love in his post-war life but isn’t sure it is in his cards. Supporting characters are great. The flawed ex-husband is played very well by Jay Ferguson and Nana, (you’ll love her and wish she were your granny), played by the great Blythe Danner (Gwyneth Paltrow’s mom) will make you laugh.
There are very sweet animals in the film and the gorgeous settings and camerawork are just beautiful to look at… and yes, so is Zac. I enjoyed this Sparks story better than the others and the film has enough twists and turns to keep you unsure about how true love will win out. Younger kids might want to check with parents before attending since there is a pretty hot if not too graphic love scene in the film.
The Lucky One Movie Rating:
