The Lucky Ones (2008)

No.

Hardly anything works here. Even the heart-warming story itself is riddled with poor writing and lack of any sort of clarity.

Great road movie about veterans traveling across America

Three soldiers coming back from Iraq meet at JFK in NY where all flights are delayed due to a blackout. One soldier is older and getting out of the Army for good (Timothy Robbins), one has a serious groin injury and is trying to heal-up (Michael Pena) and the other is on leave to visit the family of a dead comrade (Rachel McAdams). They end up in a rental vehicle traveling across the country where they experience many sides of American culture and each other's deepest secrets, hopes and pains.

"The Lucky Ones" (2008) is a true hidden gem. I wasn't expecting much when I started watching, but before too long I knew I had stumbled on to something great.

All three stars have great chemistry and Rachel McAdams (who I've never seen in a movie before) is a total revelation as Colee. Although Colee isn't highly educated she's not dumb. In fact, she excels socially and is the catalyst to hope and healing for the other two.

Both Timothy Robbins as Cheaver and Michael Pena as TK are effective in their roles as well. Cheaver becomes the necessary father-figure in the trio and the others become increasingly concerned about the well-being of their temporary "dad."

The film features a good balance of Eastern and Western locations, shot in Illinois, Missouri, Colorado and Las Vegas.

I don't want to say anymore. If what I said perks your interest, be sure to check out "The Lucky Ones."

It runs about 1 hour, 52 minutes.

GRADE: A-