Wednesday, April 18, 2012

THE LUCKY ONE

Review: The Lucky One
2.5 stars (out of 5)
By R. Kurt Osenlund


Fate plays an integral role in movies based on the works of Nicholas Sparks, not just in terms of theme, but also in the way the films are made. At this point, Sparksian romances unfold via their own preordained formula, and measures of their merits largely hinge on how well each can bend the cookie-cutter. Just as inevitably as Zac Efron's Iraq War vet mutters narration about everyone having a destiny and making the choice to follow it, Scott Hicks's The Lucky One dutifully follows a set, familiar path, taking place in a North Carolina of perpetual golden sunsets, and showcasing the very best of life according to those of Sparks's mindset—a spiritual Americana consisting of rowboats, ice cream, tire swings, faithful dogs, elbow grease, churches, and, of course, love of country.

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