Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • May 2, 2012
‘The Lucky One’
(continued from Entertainment page) along, hoping to summon the courage to tell her about the photo. A requirement of a contemporary romantic drama is a hunky leading man, and “The Lucky One” has that in Efron, who became a star in the “High School Musical” films. Without a song to sing or a basketball to toss, however, he is as adrift as Zach Galifianakis would be playing Rhett Butler in a “Gone with the Wind” remake. Efron projects one expression -- brooding -- and one posture – stiff -- which viewers are supposed to believe are the results of his wartime experiences. However, even when the inevitable chemistry between Logan and Beth heats up, Efron appears detached. Efron shined in “High School Musical” and its sequels. Most young actors don’t want to be pigeonholed or typecast so early in their careers and seek out a variety of roles to display their versatility. That’s fine. Unfortunately, this movie illustrates that Efron is an actor of limited talent who cannot shoulder the weight of a major motion picture. His core fan group -- young women -- did sigh audibly at an opening day showing, but to become a successful mainstream actor, Efron has to hone his acting chops and expand his appeal. Schilling, on the other hand, is a refreshing contrast. Her Beth is real, imperfect, and damaged by a tragic loss
of her own. Screenwriter Will Fetters has taken the time to give Beth a convincing back story, so viewers see her not merely as a pretty face, but also as a young woman with responsibilities that threaten to overwhelm her. Yet she forges on, uncomplaining. Beth is strong and resilient and is, in many ways, made of tougher stuff than Logan. Schilling is a promising new talent who deserves a sustained, successful career as a dramatic actress. Jay R. Ferguson plays Keith Clayton, Beth’s brother and the local deputy sheriff. He looks after Beth and her son, Ben (Riley Thomas Stewart), but is almost cartoon-like in his macho approach to people. Viewers can see a mile ahead that there will be serious conflict between Keith and Logan. All films should have a few surprises along the way, but “The Lucky One” plays as the “before” example in Screenwriting 101. The narrative is predictable, Logan and Beth “meet cute,” there is an impediment to their eventual happiness, some recriminations are exchanged, and things end happily. Back in the 1930s, they added song and dance to such simple plots and made musicals with Fred and Ginger. Director Scott Hicks has filmed in some very pretty, rural locations in an attempt to create an idyllic setting for the romantic tale. Rated PG-13 for a heavily edited sexual encounter scene, mild violence, and depiction of alcohol abuse, “The Lucky One” serves one major purpose: It fills theater screens until more interesting and engaging pictures come along.