THE LUCKY ONE | FAMILY MOVIE REVIEW INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND KIDS

"THE LUCKY ONE"
(2012) (Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling) (PG-13)

QUICK TAKE:: Drama: Believing her anonymous photo was the good luck charm that kept him alive during combat as a U.S. Marine, a man searches for the woman to thank her, but ends up falling in love with her, unintentionally complicating her life.

PLOT:

Believing an anonymous photo he found in overseas combat saved his life, former Marine Sgt. Logan Thibault (ZAC EFRON) has been looking for her ever since, hoping to thank her for keeping him alive. After walking with his dog from Colorado to Louisiana, he ends up finding her in a small town where she runs a kennel. She's Beth Clayton (TAYLOR SCHILLING), single mom to young son Ben (RILEY THOMAS STEWART), and adult granddaughter to Ellie (BLYTHE DANNER) who raised her and her brother following their parents' deaths long ago.

Before Logan can explain why he's there, Beth assumes he's applying for a part-time position at the kennel, but then tries to blow him off upon learning he was a Marine, just like her brother who was killed in combat. After Ellie hires him, Beth must accept him being around, something that pleases Ben, but displeases his cop father, Keith (JAY R. FERGUSON), who isn't happy to see a potential suitor hanging around with his ex-wife.

Initially, Beth and Logan's relationship is purely platonic, and he earns her trust by being a hard worker and all around nice guy. As their relationship starts to turn romantic, however, Keith becomes less pleased with the situation and does what he can to manipulate Beth into calling it off. Considering that and the fact that he can't manage to find the right time or words to explain why he first arrived, Logan tries to figure out how to deal with all of that and his growing affection toward Beth.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?: If they're fans of anyone in the cast (especially Zac Efron) or of filmed adaptations of Nicholas Sparks novels, they might be interested.

WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG-13: For some sexuality and violence.

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