Review of Charlie St. Cloud (2010) by Steven C — 06 Apr 2012

"Charlie St. Cloud" is a silly film. A supernatural grief drama that should have dispensed with the supernatural aspects, they drag down the film immensely. The essential story about a man trying to come to terms with the death of his younger brother by investing in a loving relationship is great on it's own, we don't need the hokey subplot that takes directly from "The Sixth Sense".

Since most of the story focuses on the supernatural and not enough on the characters and the love story, which are honestly quite strong, you really come out of the movie with nothing. Zac Efron turns in a nice performance, showing he can certainly dig into a character, but it's the script that leaves him hanging out to dry.

If you are one of the most undemanding moviegoers around, or simply a 12 year old girl, "Charlie St. Cloud" will appeal to you in spades. But for everyone else stay away, the only reason to see the film is for Efron's growth as an actor.