CHARLIE ST. CLOUD 2.5***
This is a good, heartwarming movie about the importance of family and especially brotherly love…the kind of bond between brothers that can even survive the most tragic of events. Here the older brother is willing to sacrifice a very promising college career and most everything else out of his deep love and commitment to his 11 year old brother.

The older brother is played by Zac Efron who is an international star/teen idol as a result of the huge success of the “High School Musical”’ TV and movie shows. He is one of THE current teenage heartthrobs and, in fact, when my wife, Sara, and I went to the afternoon matinee, it was the 2 of us and about 16 teenage girls who somehow seemed to sigh and swoon in unison whenever Efron batted those gorgeous blue eyes …of the Paul Newman variety. Actually, I could identify with the girls somewhat as I experience much the same reaction to seeing Scarlett Johansson in a movie.

Back to the movie . To be honest this is a small film of the “B” variety but with a BIG heart. Also, although the story is supposed to take place in Marblehead, Massachusetts, it was, instead for cost reasons, filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia…and that is a blessing for the viewers because the scenery is absolutely gorgeous… breathtaking is another word for it.. That awesome scenery… mountains and lakes and forest… is almost worth the price of admission.

Lastly, this is a movie that all ages can enjoy… especially kids from 6 to 18 who should see it so they can experience the love and the meaning of love portrayed in the film.

Clark