Parents' Guide to

The Lucky One

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Sweet but formulaic love story OK for teen romantics.

Movie PG-13 2012 101 minutes
The Lucky One Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 15+

Based on 12 parent reviews

age 16+

HOT, HOT, scenes!

Great romantic movie and Zac is so handsome but hellooooo! how can it be rated pg-13 the sex scenes are way to heavy for any teenager, there is no nudity but no need for it, after seen naked parts and faces, and grabbing butts, moving boviusly, etc. Good movie overall, definetely not for kids or young teenagers.

This title has:

Too much sex
2 people found this helpful.
age 15+

Not so lucky one

I have to say that I am disappointed with the amount of sex scenes in this movie. Yes, there was no nudity however, there was much kissing and undressing. And you could tell that the two "made love" because they appeared to wear nothing but the sheets. I say "made love" in quotes because this isn't love, it's just sex. These two people have just met and suddenly, they are having sex. They haven't taken the time to get to know each other and really fall in love. I firmly believe it sends the wrong message to tween and teen girls. "Met a guy and jump into the sack with him. Don't worry about getting to know, just have sex." I really would love to see a romantic movie where the two leads do NOT have sex. Sounds far-fetched but it could happen. GOD bless.

This title has:

Too much sex
2 people found this helpful.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (12):
Kids say (17):

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.

Movie Details

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