Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet but formulaic love story OK for teen romantics.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Lucky One
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say the movie features a mix of romance and some inappropriate content, such as several sexual scenes and brief moments of violence, which may not be suitable for younger viewers. While many appreciate the film for its emotional depth and positive messages, they caution that it is best enjoyed by teens aged 13 and up.
- inappropriate content
- recommend for teens
- positive messages
- romantic appeal
- caution advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Logan Thibault (Zac Efron) returns from his third tour of duty shell-shocked, having survived not one but a handful of close calls. The biggest one was a face-off with the enemy that left many dead. But somehow, Logan was spared when he stopped to pick up a picture on the ground -- the good-luck charm of an unknown soldier. The photo is that of a beautiful woman, whose soothing face Logan thinks somehow protects him from harm. When he goes home, Logan makes it his mission to find the woman, Beth (Taylor Schilling). While winning her heart isn't hard, keeping it is.
Is It Any Good?
As Nicholas Sparks romances go, THE LUCKY ONE is one of the better ones -- quite a feat, considering it doesn't star Ryan Gosling. Efron and Schilling share an easy chemistry, which is key, of course. But as a romantic story on its own, The Lucky One doesn't hold a candle to the classics of the genre -- The English Patient if we're to get lofty, or even An Officer and a Gentleman.
Those movies boast a complexity that evokes the complications of life on two battlefield fronts: love and war. The Lucky One isn't so lucky (or, rather, well crafted). It's bogged down by hokey dialogue and stilted acting. Efron, who actually has shown some talent, appears to think "wooden" passes for "mysterious" here. Only Blythe Danner, as Beth's grandmother, is unscathed. She's witty and breezy and soulful in all the right moments, and we're lucky for that.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why romantic movies often seem to have female characters who can't seem to find their strength and center without first falling in love. What's the message here?
How does The Lucky One depict romance and relationships? Do you think it's realistic/accurate?
What is the movie saying about the toll that war takes on soldiers?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 20, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : August 28, 2012
- Cast : Blythe Danner , Taylor Schilling , Zac Efron
- Director : Scott Hicks
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexuality and violence
- Last updated : October 27, 2025
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