Source: Fuscia.cl
A few weeks ago Amanda and I decided to go to the movies. We originally leaned toward Titanic 3D, but I was tired and I know myself well enough; if I don't know the plot, I'll stay awake. I was sure I'd fall asleep right around when Jack wins the poker game and wake up when he loses at life. Plus we were meeting in Kokomo and didn't want to get out at 1am or something crazy - Titanic is a LONG movie!
So we went for The Lucky One instead. I wanted to see it, because I'm a sap and will watch anything poignant and romantic - but I'd thought it'd be one of those I waited to see on Netflix. I'm not sure why Amanda went along for the ride - she isn't usually one for syrup-infused cinema - maybe it was the Nicholas Sparks thing. Anyway we went.
As we walked up to the theater, there was a Twilight-like line. I was shocked and confused; surely The Hunger Games buzz had died down by now! I used my veteran skills and got us past the line and to the self serve kiosk, only to find when the guy took our tickets that the crowd was all for The Lucky One!
Holy Zac Efron Cult Crowd! I mean yes, the man has blue eyes and a perpetual 5'0 clock shadow. I honestly think he'll look even better when he finishes growing into his features - I'm sure my 40+ self will drool over the 34 year old version - but this was insane. Was High School Musical really that popular?
I'm attributing this perceived age gap to several factors. 1) Zac has been cast young for most of his career, and his features have changed little. I would have put him at 20 or 21 instead of 24 or 25 (not sure his birth month in 1987). These are only a few years to quibble over, unless you're putting him across an actress who looks to be in her mid 30's. 2) Taylor Schilling has had a very limited film career, and I attribute her age to her role in this movie. Though she's her grandmother in the script, 69 year old Blythe Danner plays her mother figure and 38 year old Jay Ferguson plays her anger-saturated ex husband.
Age is just a number Heidi. What kind of movie review spends multiple paragraphs talking about age casting? This is why: try watching a steamy shower sex scene between people you think are 12 years apart. It isn't good for the stomach or the eyes. I felt protective of Zac, especially since he played the attraction from a stoic characterization on his part - a lot of pensive looks and firmly set jawlines. I couldn't tell if he was bracing for impact or resisting her allure.
Here's what I did enjoy; the entire feel of the town in Louisiana Beth hales from. I want to live in a town like that, I want to believe in the value of a small community and an old house and a piece of land that's got a history and meaning to my family. Ideally anyway. I think Hicks appeals to that American pride that seems inherent in us when he shows Zac greasing up the old tractor and hauling storm debris across the southern landscape. I also love the twists and romantic angst that Sparks is known for; and I think he does so well with that by playing into the themes of destiny and faith and fate.
In my opinion, the movie was great. Amanda was lukewarm about it, and I got her viewpoint completely. It all seemed impossibly perfect, and the director failed to pull enough out of the actors to give it the ring of authenticity it needed. I never saw Beth's face truly distrust Logan. Logan never seemed to really love Beth. The sexier moments seemed awkward and forced, and all these little things added up to more of a Lifetime movie feel than a Blockbuster moment.
Oh, and there's also an end scene eye-roller that I felt was completely unneeded. I won't go into details because the rest of the storyline is pretty much told in the previews, but it made me groan with its unnecessary nature. Watch and tell me if you agree!
Again with the half thumbs up for me. Not even the right hand - you get a lefty thumb Zac! Please grow up a little more before you grab someone's butt and push her into a wall on a big screen. I feel like sending you to your room.
