The Lucky One not a game changer, but still enjoyable
When discussing any Nicholas Sparks movie, it will always be compared to The Notebook. The Lucky One falls short. Not as short as other Nickolas Sparks movies of the last few years, but still short. The Notebook is a film that can change people; a beautiful story about how it’s work to be in love. This is not that film. I went in having no expectations at all, so I was pleasantly surprised. It fills the chick flick void that I love so much. It’s about a man who is at war in modern times. He finds a picture in the dirt of a pretty blonde, and when finding it, he is saved from an explosion. Thinking the girl saved his life, when he returns to the states he looks for the girl. When he finds her, he can’t tell her his secret. It sounds crazier than it seems when it’s played out on screen.
Zac Efron is okay in his role as Logan, the quiet, sensitive, and strong type. There were too many scenes of him playing with dogs and moving heavy things while sweating just a little. Plus, the ending was over the top. Taylor Schilling played a great role as Beth, a worried mother and grieving sister. This chick is on an emotional roller coaster and hits every emotion while on her journey. Her mother, played by Blythe Danner, was perfect as the knowing mother who has most of the comedic lines and carries them well. Jay R. Ferguson, who plays the ex-husband Keith, is practically a cartoon character playing the angry, red neck, simple-minded, crooked cop ex-husband.
The plot is predictable and there are no twists, and the bad guys get what they deserve and the good guy gets the girl. Even the main character, being a war veteran, is only brought up when it’s convenient, and I believe a missed opportunity to say a bigger message. The scenery is beautiful, of course. I think that Nickolas Sparks has run out of ideas and has fallen into the Stephen King category, spitting out the same things over and over.
With all that being said, I did like it because I like stories about soldiers from my generation. I like stories about love coming from friendship. Yes, there are great scenes of Zac Efron moving heavy things and working hard, but my favorite were the ones where he and Riley Thomas Stewart playing Ben, Beth, and Keith’s young son, are interacting. Is there anything sexier than a guy who knows how to talk to kids? …No, not really. I love how he didn’t teach him how to fight or to stand for himself. He taught him to march to his own drum and not hide his intelligence and skill to win expectancy. There is a scene when they all goofy dance in the kitchen, which is the definition of a great family. Should you see this movie? Yes, leave your man at home, bring tissues and low expectations, and you’ll have a great time.