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The Death and Life of Charlie St Cloud (2010)

Director: Burr Steers

Time Out rating

Average user rating

5 reviews

Synopsis

Boating enthusiast Charlie St Cloud (Zac Efron) has trouble overcoming the death of his younger brother.

Movie review

From Time Out London

Tear-jerkers based on novels are standard fare for rising heartthrobs, so this Ben Sherwood adaptation is a logical move for ‘High School Musical’ alumnus Zac Efron – and a logical marketing decision, considering the millions of young women who follow his every move.
But there’s something a little too clean cut about Efron for the role of Charlie St Cloud, an ambitious sailor and scholar who turns into a recluse after the death of his younger brother Sam (Charlie Tahan). The local fishing-village community think Charlie’s gone mad: for five years, he works in a graveyard and plays baseball with his dead brother in the woods every night. But we know he’s still heartthrob Zac Efron – he’s still shaving every day, for starters.

That said, this is a fantasy, and the suspension of disbelief is key as the film moves further into supernatural territory (let’s just say it’ll please fans of ‘Ghost’). But as the drama increases, so do the clumsy flashbacks and corny lines: this relies on cheap tricks to force tears, even if those tricks work. As for the supporting cast, Tahan is suitably adorable, while Amanda Crew will divide audiences as love interest Tess. At least her character has her own mind and career: she’s about to sail around the world solo. There’s also an amusing turn from young Brit Augustus Prew, who brings a welcome streak of irreverence as Charlie’s party-boy colleague. Cynics need not apply.

Author: Anna Smith

Time Out London Issue 2094: 7 - 13 October, 2010

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User reviews of this film

Flip said...

Posted on Feb 22 2011 13:13 This film surprised me with the intensity of emotion that it protrays. It makes you want to believe in the idea of the 'in between' and that there is a purpose to everyone's life. The argument that Zac Efron is too clean cut is feeble; why shouldn't his character shave?? In the book he is described as powerfully built (from his job as the caretaker) and good looking. He actually looks pretty rough during Sam's funeral, but 5 years on, why should he have let himself go- he doesn't need to grieve for Sam because he sees him everyday. I love the vulnerability in this film; the terror at the thought of missing the cannons and losing his connection, knowing that everyone thinks he's crazy. The scene when he finally lets go of Sam is actually more moving and believable in the film than the book (an unusual occurence).
Yes, there are the cynics who aren't impressed that Efron 'gets the girl in the end', but that is what happens in the book! This film is about realisation and understanding what is important in life and I think Efron has really proved his acting ability in this film. Believe me; I was never an Efron fan before this film!

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sky316 said...

Posted on Jan 06 2011 20:48 i will admit that this isnt the worst review of this film but its still completely untrue! Zac Efron plays the part down to a tee taking us with him on his emotional journey. i agree with what Evie said, if you don;t cry, there is something wrong with you!

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scrumpyjack said...

Posted on Oct 17 2010 00:19 I dont know about all that paul.....I just enjoyed it! 6/10

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Paul said...

Posted on Oct 09 2010 21:05 A competent enough film that goes through the motions adequately for the Zac market. What irritates me is that American continues to feed this quasi-religious life after death, everything happens for a reason pulp to young people. Why we can't have secular drama without resorting to 'follow the light' cliches I don't know.

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Evie said...

Posted on Oct 09 2010 18:14 You don't have to be a teenage girl to enjoy this. Like 17 Again this has a broader family appeal. I doubt if anyone who disapproves of Zac Efron has ever seen one of his films. His oddly old school yet modern screen charisma is undeniable and he handles the emotionally dramatic storyline as ably as the fancy sailing scenes. True, he looks way to clean cut for his character and Amanda Crew is about as bland as you get but its better than the mushy TV-movie I was expecting from the trailer. If you dont cry theres something possibly wrong with you.

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