The Lucky One - Review

U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive--a photograph he found of a woman he doesn't even know. Learning her name is Beth (Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

This is the official synopsis from Warner Bros for the film THE LUCKY ONE but really, all you need to know is that it is the adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel starring Zac Efron. Seriously, who wouldn't want to watch that. Well, I guess half of the population, that being the male half, but any warm blooded female is sure to get a kick out of this combo.

Admittedly I'm a bit of a fan of a Sparks film, think Dear John, A Walk to Remember, The Last Song, and of course, The Notebook, so I was always going to like this film, but I LOVED IT! This is a great adaptation directed by Scott hicks who is best known for SHINE and he knows how to make a film look pretty, think Snow Falling on Cedars and Hearts in Atlantis, and the house in The Boys are Back. (and he did also direct a couple of INXS videos as well)

While some cynical folk would rather keep Zac pigeonholed as the all american singing and dancing teen heart throb, let me tell you, he can certainly hold his own, playing the brooding marine love interest Logan. He has not only beefed up his body for this(17 pounds), but his acting has also been stepped up a notch. He spent time with real marines to prepare for this role, and he has absolutely captured the ex marine mentality onscreen. Brooding, silent and strong, and when I say strong, I mean, wow, he has a totally hot body!!! This leads me to the onscreen chemistry between Zac and Taylor Schilling. She is lovely in this film, with some pretty cute outfits, and the right amount of gorgeous. They let the chemistry build up just enough, and when it tips over into Zac's first onscreen love scene, under a shower, (apparently a cold one according to Zac), well let me just say, ladies you will not be disappointed in the results. (just pausing right now with that picture in my mind!....it's totally hot)

A couple of other surprises, include Blythe Danner, as Beth's grandma, well it's not actually surprising as I always find her delightful , and the other is Logan's nemesis, Jay R Ferguson, playing the ex husband sleaze bag who is really menacing when onscreen.

The other character in this film is the gorgeous scenery in the film. Set in North Carolina, Hicks really makes the most of the pretty scenery.

This film is just lovely. Yes, it's a love story. Yes, it's written by Nicholas Sparks. Yes it stars Zac Efron. How could it be wrong. Just go and switch off your brain, be enveloped by the romance, and may the image of nude Zac forever be burned in your retinas, if you know what is good for you! Enjoy!