Charlie St. Cloud

There was a fair bidding war for the film rights to Ben Sherwood’s novel The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud. Though I haven’t read the book, you can see why there was such an interest as, though the storyline is pretty un-original, it does have that Nicolas Sparks feel to it and a number of those books have been made into films which have garnered some decent box office (though the quality of each film has varied). Unfortunately (for the producers anyway), Charlie St. Cloud hasn’t set the box office alight. The main reason must be that Zac Efron (despite being decent in Me and Orson Welles) just isn’t cut out as a dramatic leading man. In this kind of film, if the teen / tween audience isn’t interested, then who is? As for the film itself Efron stars as St. Cloud, a young man who, following the death of his younger brother, still “sees” him each night and plays baseball with him. Before long though a girl appears on the scene and Charlie has to decide whether to break a promise to his ghostly brother and spend time with his new squeeze instead. This hardly sounds exciting stuff. I guess the novel is a lot better, but this is a bland film. Far too slow in places and very heavy on the saccharine (though the target audience, if they’re not at home watching their HSM DVD's, will lap all that up) it’s odd that what should be a heart breaking story actually leaves you somewhat non-plussed (though you’re bound to be riled by St Cloud’s best friend sporting an awful Hollywood British accent). You may fall for the twists towards the end, and if you do then the film will probably be an improvement. All in all though, the film is a bit like Efron himself. Looks great, but is there any substance there?


The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
You’ll enjoy this if you’re a diehard fan of this genre, as opposed to a diehard Efron fan. If you’re a fan of neither, steer well clear. Rating: 5/10.