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'Charlie St. Cloud' opens today. (Photo: Universal)
'Charlie St. Cloud' reviews - what do the critics think? - The reviews have been slow to come in on Zac Efron's latest film, Charlie St. Cloud, but the ones that have been published have been mostly less than favorable. Fans of Mr. Efron or of Ben Sherman's novel on which the film is based will likely enjoy it. Charlie St. Cloud opens today in theaters across the country.
Rotten Tomatoes has only listed 17 reviews so far, ranking the movie at 29%. Metacritic gives the movie a 38 "Metascore," ranking it "generally unfavorable" from a count of 26 reviews.
What are the critics who have written about this movie saying about it? We have a sampling of clips from reviews for you below. Click on the publication to read the full review.
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly:
"The surreal thing is, Zac Efron can't do despair. He plays it by staring. Blankly. And by not smiling. Blankly."
Rex Reed, New York Observer:
"One thing that defies debate: Zac Efron is going places as an actor of value. But he deserves better movies than Charlie St. Cloud."
Claudia Puig, USA Today:
"The movie tries to capture the crushing weight of loss, but between the insipid pop tunes and the repetitive shots cutting away to a lighthouse on a scenic outcropping, it feels more like a film version of a condolence card."
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times:
"For now, Efron remains an unrealized dream and Charlie St. Cloud an unrealized movie, though judging from the "ooohhs" and "awwwws" from the audience, for his core tween-girl fans, that's more than enough."
A. O. Scott, New York Times:
"You are not, in a movie like this, supposed to think too much; you are supposed to be transported beyond skepticism on a wave of pure, tacky feeling. Instead, in this case, you drown in sentimental, ghoulish nonsense."
Charlie St. Cloud is rated PG-13 "for language including some sexual references, an intense accident scene and some sensuality."
SEE ALSO:
Zac Efron promotes 'Charlie St. Cloud' on 'Regis and Kelly,' calls movie 'uplifting'
'Charlie St. Cloud' starring Zac Efron, Amanda Crew premieres in Los Angeles
'Charlie St. Cloud' starring Zac Efron releases trailer (VIDEO)
Connie Ann Kirk is a published author of 10 books and holds a Ph.D. in English. She is currently working on a novel and a screenplay. See all of Connie's Arts & Entertainment columns at these pages: National Books on Film Examiner , National Literature Examiner, and National Young Adult Pop Culture Examiner . Feel free any time to also check out her website.
Email Connie any time at ConnieAnnKirkOnExaminer@gmail.com.
Comments
Cute book! I really recommend reading the book before going to see the movie because the movie can get kind of confusing! The book really requires you to pay attention and makes it easier for the reader to understand the mystery! An easy read that is enjoyable and magical! Strongly recommended!
I read the book halfway, allowing to 'feel' the temprament of the movie. I then allowed Zac and Amanda to finish the text further. I loved the movie, and felt if was a great justice to the book. Like any movie based on a novel, and a deep one such as this, there is very little time allowed in screening the scenes and emotions you need to get across toward the plot. I commend the directing and casting team. It was a great feat, and great adaptation. A double bravo to Zac, Amanda and Young Sammy, for bringing to life the three very sensitive characters.
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