Based on the 2004 novel ‘The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud’ by Ben Sherwood, comes the film adaptation CHARLIE ST. CLOUD starring Zac Efron. Efron turned down the role in the remake of 1984 classic Footloose to star in this film and I really think he made the right decision, you could clearly see after High School Musical he wanted to branch out and show some range other then the singer/dancer that he’s known for. We have previously reviewed his last film “Me and Orson Welles” which he was just amazing in, so I had high hopes walking into this one!
The look of CHARLIE ST. CLOUD was amazing, all the shots were perfect, the scenery was perfect and even some of the CGI Landscapes were impressive I really take my hat off to Enrique Chediak who was also the Cinematographer on ’28 Weeks Later’ and ‘The Flock’. Even the Musical Score had some clout with Rolfe Kent taking the helm who previously brought us the music in films such as the Oscar nominated ‘Sideways’ and ‘The Men Who Stare at Goats’.
The performances throughout were great, Kim Basinger shined while onscreen even though she had a complete lack of. Amanda Crew as Charlie’s love interest had her moments but pulled off the role well, we last saw her in last years ‘The Haunting in Connecticut’ and the 2008 comedy ‘Sex Drive’. Charlie Tahan plays Sam St. Cloud he’s an impressive young actor with a great future, I think his role in ‘Nights in Rodanthe’ helped him get through on this one and lastly Augustus Prew who plays Charlie’s co worker at the Cemetery, who is pretty much the comic relief throughout, nearly every time he’s onscreen you can’t help but laugh.
Of course there are some issues with this film there are quite a number of plot holes and some even more major differences from the book, so if you have read the book you may be disappointed. I was extremely impressed with Zac’s performance he pulled of the character of Charlie St. Cloud very well and we get to see him next as a Marine who has returned home after three tours in Iraq titled ‘The Lucky One’ I think he is making some great choices and look forward to that one.
CHARLIE ST. CLOUD is a great drama if you are a fan of any films in the Nicholas Spark’s category you should love it. CHARLIE ST. CLOUD is now showing everywhere, I give this film 3.5/5 stars.