CrawlerChunky
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.
mraculeated
The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.
Guillelmina
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
Staci Frederick
Blistering performances.
malcotoro
As I said, I have not read this Nicholas Sparks story, but seen movies of his other romantic dramas. Actually I think this is one of his very best, and I continue to replay it. It has a good mood about it, and the chemistry between Taylor Schilling and Zac Efron you notice almost immediately… the director Scott Hicks remarked on their chemistry and I fully agree. There are some favourite scenes which bring tears to the eyes, and unlike some reviewers I cannot complain about the movie. I found it heartwarming and really liked it. Without giving the storyline away, I do not want to to introduce spoilers obviously. Blythe Danner I have long admired and she heads the supporting cast. Zac gives Taylor's young son moral fibre and confidence at school and I was touched by that. Zac has a special reason for wanting to meet Taylor, he is so handsome and she is so lovely, and seeing them together in this story I was spellbound by their romance… the locations for the film in the southern states are quiet and green… It's in my collection, no intention of selling this DVD but as I watch again I decided to write this understated review Malcolm in Toronto May 2015
SnoopyStyle
Logan (Zac Efron) is a marine in Iraq. He is drawn to a photo of Beth (Taylor Schilling) with the words "keep safe" written on the back. As he examines the photo, an explosion occurs just where he was before. Everybody considers the photo a lucky charm. He returns home after 3 tours suffering from PTSD. He decides to track down Beth. He can't quite explain his reason for coming when she just assumes that he's looking for a job at her dog kennel. Beth thinks that he's crazy but her grandmother Ellie (Blythe Danner) gives him the job anyways. Beth is divorced from angry jealous police deputy Keith Clayton (Jay R. Ferguson) and they have a son together. Soon, Logan befriends Ellie and the boy while annoying Beth. The photo is the property of Beth's brother who didn't make it back from Iraq.I like Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling individually. They are able to salvage some chemistry. The problem is that the whole setup feels forced. It's not simply the way it's written but also the way it's shot. Everything feels slightly fake. This is a Nicholas Sparks after all. The biggest problem is that Logan is a little too precious with his secret about the photo. It's better if he stops trying to tell it and leave it as an internal struggle. Some things are better left to the audience's imagination or even without reason. Nevertheless, I like both leads and I can't help but pull for them.
Samuel Sweeney
This movie got my attention from the start. Actually I thought all the actors did a great job.. Great movie! Zac is an awesome actor and this movie shows that. I loved how it didn't look fake and mashed together but very well made. I also loved the little kid! He was so cute and his little violin! It was great watching how the characters changed through the story and you could see the change happen instead of wondering what just happened to that person?! It was a very cute movie and i would recommend it to anyone per-teen and up. Love to be introduced to new cool places through films. Anyway, a totally enjoyable chick flick!
singingmaiden
To begin with the positives, "The Lucky One" has beautiful photography. I enjoyed almost all scenes, feeling pleasure looking at the scenery. Also there were a couple of strong moments in there. Sadly though, those are the only positives.I expected much much more by Zac Efron, although not a fan of his I kind of considered him a good actor that his acting was being overseen because of his good looks. But I seriously felt that this movie proved me wrong (although I do hope he will again prove THAT wrong in the future!). You know the character is in pain and fighting his own emotions, but that it, you have to imagine the agony yourself since Efron just doesn't take that out on screen. He is just... emotionless. Yeah, sure, some people when suffering tend to look like statues, but even then you can see a spark of their suffering in their eyes. Here, there was nothing. On the other part, I felt as if Taylor Schilling was OVERacting/reacting at times. That -and the fact that she looked as if she could be his mother- didn't help in their more romantic encounters.The plot was simple and you kinda knew what to expect next. They could probably keep it at least 10-20 minutes shorter without us missing anything.It still though was a nice movie to watch to pass your time, so if you've got nothing else left to see and you want a simple romantic story then I would suggest this. If you do have something better to see though, then better skip it.
