The Lucky One

A twist of fate brings two post traumatic stress victims together as another Nicholas Sparks novel unfolds on the big screen. Scene for scene, this film uses every cliche romance element in this classic formulation. The marine hero (Zac Efron) is the handsome strong silent type who seems to be too good to be true. The ex is a bully with a badge. The kid is just adorable. Louisiana is the beautiful backdrop. Hopeless romantics may shed a tear or two. The less enthused may find some setups just too sappy and even laughable (another Sparks film watery love scene).

Alien gives it 3 "Aces" stars out of 4.