Charlie St Cloud

Posted In: Grown Ups

Renita Brazill says...

This is a really good movie! I don't know how this movie did in theaters, but I hope it did well because there should be more movies like it. It was heartfelt and moving without being cheesy. The acting was really good too, which I appreciated since I hate seeing bad acting in a movie with a good plot. Thumbs up!

Posted on September 30, 2011

Larhonda Perrotti says...

Having gone to see this movie last night, I went home and ordered the book, and signed up to be notified when the movie becomes available on Amazon. Going in to see the movie, I had looked up the details on the plot. It looked like a good movie. I was not disappointed. The main characters were great, Charlie, his brother Sam, the woman who comes into his life, all were great. After Sam dies, Charlie stops going forward with his life. He can see Sam in spirit, and spends every afternoon playing ball with him. After 5 years, a woman comes into his life and shakes up his world. He is torn between hanging onto the past,time with Sam, and getting into a relationship with her. There is a boat accident, and much more. Towards the end of the movie, it can tug on the heartstrings. The ending is great. If someone is hanging onto the past that need to be let go, this would be a movie to help it happen.

Well worth going to see, and buy for the home collection.

Posted on September 30, 2011

Delores Auslander says...

Overview: Charlie and his younger brother, Sam, are enjoying the last few weeks of summer before Charlie goes to college on a sailing scholarship.Tragedy strikes and Sam's life is lost while a tormented Charlie's life is saved.Instead of going on with life, he lives alone in the woods and starts working at the cemetery.Why does he stay behind?Because he can see his dead brother and promises to meet him every day to practice baseball.Thus begins the story of Charlie St. Cloud, a young man who "stops living" because he can see dead people and does not want to let go of the memory of his brother.

Good Content: Charlie's dedication to Sam (alive and dead) is a good example of being a good brother.Even when Sam has died, Charlie keeps his promise to Sam.Later in the film Charlie turns out to be a rational young man as he makes a choice between "himself" and another person's life.

Spiritual Content: The fact that Charlie can see dead people is not necessarily creepy.It's more of a psychological thriller than anything.Charlie and Sam have a conversation about what would happen to Sam if Charlie broke his promise and stopped visiting him.Sam is concerned he will "cease to exist".Charlie's life was "saved" by a paramedic who is a strong Catholic.Later in life the two meet and the paramedic asks Charlie why he was "given a second chance to live" and if he will use this second chance for a good purpose.The paramedic believes saving Charlie was a heaven-sent act.He wears a pendant of St. Jude around his neck.

Sexual Content: Charlie and his girlfriend Tess spend a night together in the cemetery.Nothing is seen because the camera cuts out right before anything happens but cuts back in afterwards.Same tells a few crude jokes (I only got one of them because another audience member was laughing as if it was a dirty joke).

Violent Content: We see some aspects of the car crash that Charlie and Sam are in.We see them while they are in the ambulance-Charlie's face is somewhat bloody.Charlie gets in a fist fight with another young man.

Profanity: a total of about seven or eight profane words ranging from h-- to s--

Conclusion: Unnecessary elements (such as the cemetery scene, some language) make this a PG-13 film.While the idea of the plot seems "iffy"-a young man spending time with his dead brother-it doesn't really touch on anything spiritual in terms of life and death.Rather, it is more of a psychological, "think about it" film.Borderline tragedy, chic-flick, drama, this film is recommended for mature audiences who are not opposed to somewhat "unrealistic" stories.

Posted on October 1, 2011

Marcy Balish says...

This is a searching film, a film that searches for the answers as to what happens in the metaphysical realm at the threshold of death. As the story begins, Charlie and his brother, Sam are in the winners' circle. They are great both at sailing and at their academics. However, a fatal car crash soon changes all that.



Both the brothers die in the crash, however, only Charlie is eventually brought back to life. However, it would appear that his crossing over into the realm of death, even though it may have only have been for a few minutes, has changed him. He is now able to communicate with the dead, maybe his 'sixth sense' has been awakened by this experience.



Over the next few years, Charlie has abandoned going to university, and has taken up a lowly job maintaining a graveyard, where every early evening he meets with Sam. He also has an encounter with a former classmate, who had joined the U.S. Marines and was killed in action.



**** Potential Spoiler Ahead ****

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The film is just about to stall and go into a nose dive when enter Tess, a young pretty independent sailor of some renown. A romantic relationship starts to develop between Charlie and her. It is at this point the story blurs and a romantic game of "find me" in the dark turns into a life and death search and rescue event.



Charlie is able to discern a message from Tess, indicating that he needs to find her, in order to save her life, this is apparently the reason why he was given a second chance at life. The movie has its sad moments, but overall, it is quite uplifting. Never say die.

Posted on October 1, 2011

Tamica Standrew says...

I have to say I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this movie. I didn't what to expect considering the main star of the movie. The movie started a little slow, but once it took off I really enjoyed it. Charlie St Cloud is based on an acclaimed novel and follows a young man named Charlie St. Cloud (Zac Efron). Charlie survives an accident and now he is able to see his little brother (Sam) who did not survive the accident. Sam and Charlie make a promise to meet each other everyday at a certain time, but when Charlie meets a girl it forces him to decide to live in the world he has discovered with his brother or his new found love. I will not give away the ending, but I will say it was a pleasant unexpected one. The blu-ray of Charlie St Cloud looks picture perfect in 1080p and the DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound is perfect.





Bonus features below



Deleted Scenes



On location with Zac Efron: Come along for a ride in Vancouver, with Zac Efron as he takes on his first major dramatic leading role in Charlie St. Cloud. Audiences will get some quality one-on-one time with the real Zac as he prepares for a role like no other that he has done before.



Zac Efron, leading man: In this intimate conversation with Burr Steers we will find out what Burr's vision for the film was and how Zac helped mold that vision. We will be privy to the conversations that Burr and Zac had about how Zac should assume the mantle of leading man and how that differed from what he had done before.



The in-between world: Ever since man became self-aware, he's wondered what happens when you die. In this piece, we will talk to those who claim to have a connection with the great beyond. Speaking with Psychics, Mediums and Parapsychologists, we will offer explanations of what might be happening to Charlie and show how it might not be that out of the ordinary.

Feature commentary with director Burr Steers





EXCLUSIVE TO BLU-RAY



Stream a bonus movie instantly on your TV through BD-Live(tm) or on your Smartphone, iPod, PC or Mac through pocket BLU(tm). Choose between What Dreams May Come and Lorenzo's Oil



BD-LIVE(tm): Access bonus content, trailers and more through an internet-connected player

My Scenes: Bookmark your favorite scenes from the movie



Pocket BLU(tm): Experience Blu-ray(tm) in an exciting new way with the pocket BLU(tm) app for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad,Blackberry, Android, PC and Macintosh

Virtual Remote and Keyboard:Control Blu-ray(tm) features and communicate with ease

Mobile-To-Go: Transfer exclusive bonus features to your device to enjoy anywhere, anytime

Browse Titles: Access a library of available titles and previews



Widescreen (2.40:1)

DTS-HD MA 5.1

French and Spanish Languages

French and Spanish Subtitles

Running Time: 100 Minutes

Posted on October 2, 2011

Suzanne Ceccarelli says...

Ben Sherwood's Novel THE DEATH AND LIFE OF CHARLIE ST. CLOUD pretty much describes this Hallmarky love and spiritualism showcase for teen idol Zac Efron. Craig Pearce and Lewis Colick adapted the book for the screen and director Burr Sherwood (known for his other films that are of this genre) stirs the whipped cream.It is a pretty story with pretty people filmed in a pretty location (British Columbia) and the results are pretty predictable, yet when compared to the types of stories on film that flood the theaters at least this film has gentle heart and a lack of terror and horror and for that we should be pleased.



Charlie St. Cloud (Zac Efron, who holds in own in this rather implausible role) is a highly regarded young sailor who is wins a sailing scholarship to Stanford upon graduation from high school. He is devoted to his younger brother Sam (Charlie Tahan) and his single mother nurse Claire (Kim Basinger - don't blink or you'll miss her very brief appearance in the film).One night while Claire is on extra shift at the hospital Charlie and Sam are in an auto accident: Sam dies, but Charlie is resuscitated by paramedicFlorio Ferrente (Ray Liotta, in another very brief cameo).Charlie is devastated over Sam's death and gives up his chances for a life by taking a custodian job in the town cemetery so he can be near a certain spot where he 'sees' and communicates with Sam every sunset - a life long promise to never leave his little brother.Five years pass and Charlie's friend Alistair (Augustus Prew) - his only other friend Sully (Dave Franco, brother of actor James Franco) has gone into the military - tries to encourage Charlie to date, but Charlie's eyes fall on Tess (Amanda Crew), a fellow sailor from the past, and love begins.Tess decides to take a long solo voyage in her boat and disappears.Charlie meets the now cancer-ridden and dying Florio who gives him his St Jude medal and encourages Charlie to embrace life.Charlie strikes out on a mission to find the missing Tess and the rest is pretty obvious.



Though the story is heavy on the saccharine edge and strains credibility, the team of actors is very fine - especially Zac Efron, whose presence is on the screen in practically every frame - so the film ends up being endearing.The cinematography by Enrique Chediak is gorgeous and the musical score by Rolfe Kent leans heavily on sad love songs. It is not a profound film though it does dip gently into the ideas of 'the beyond', but there is something about the honesty of it all that makes it s a satisfying evening of entertainment. Grady Harp, November 10

Posted on October 2, 2011

Eddie Drovin says...

Everything Zach does is touching. I really don't know why that is but I guess some people were just born with it. This movie was definitely dramatic, a tear jerker and pulled at your heart strings. I guess it was kind of predictable but in a good way. I definitely recommend it but don't forget your tissues because I cried like a little baby.

Posted on October 4, 2011

Maryanna Russe says...

I was s little hesitant to rent Charlie St. Cloud when I first heard of it, but after seeing the trailers for it, I was intrigued enough to rent it when it came out. Man, am I glad I did. I have two young girls (10 and 12 now) so I was already familiar with Mr. High School Musical and I could admit that as corny as those were, the kid (Efron) had talent. I seen him in "17 Again" and thought it was really good so I didn't think Efron would let me down as long as the story was acceptable. Boy was it ever.

"

CSC is such a soul searching and inspirational story that tests the brotherly bond and open the "in between" world up to the viewer in a way that is just so emotionally charged, you may literally shed tears or laugh out loud at any second.



If you have any heart at all (and especially if you have children of your own), this movie will make you cry, so stock up on the tissues. However this is one of the few movies that crying is not a bad thing. In order for most people to cry during a movie, you have to fall in love with the characters and "care" if they are sad, which then makes you sad. That's the sign of a great movie and Charlie St. Cloud is a GREAT MOVIE that still resonates in my recent memory after seeing 3 days ago. The acting is absolutely incredible by both Efron and his little brother Sam. By this movie, rent this movie, do what you have to do to see this movie NOW.

Posted on October 4, 2011

Shakita Schonaerts says...

This thought provoking movie is certainly worth seeing. It's not without its flaws but the positives outweigh the negatives. The acting by Zac Efron is really superb and he carries the movie. The first time I saw it I was a little confused with some of the details in the storyline, especially when he keeps talking to dead people, but the second time I saw it a lot of things made more sense.I think you have to be in the right mood to see it and also there are a lot of details that you notice more during the second viewing. I also felt at first that they were playing on Zac Efron's stunning good looks a little too much with their close up camera shots etc., not that I'm exactly complaining, ha ha, but at first I found that distracted from the touching storyline. The main themes of making the best of second chances, and that if God gave you a second chance to live what would you do with it, really do make you think. It's also about moving forward and leaving your past sorrows behind, as well as a subtle message of not taking your loved ones for granted.The love story is secondary in some ways as the characters struggle to deal with these issues in their lives.



Charlie is a father figure to his younger brother Sam as their father abandoned the family. They do everything together and even won a sailing competition as a team. Charlie promises his brother that he will teach him to play baseball and they agree to practice every day at sundown.Charlie is left with "Sam Duty" and has to babysit his eleven year old brother when their Mom has to work an extra shift. Charlie tries to sneak away when it's dark and when Sam catches him in the act, he winds up taking Sam with him. Sadly, they are then in a tragic car accident caused by a drunk driver and Charlie is devastated when Sam dies.The plan is that Charlie will put Sam's baseball glove in the casket at the funeral, but when it comes to it he isn't able to bring himself to do it.He runs away from the funeral and meets Sam's ghost in the woods.They continue meet to play catch every night and here comes the crunch when Charlie starts to fall in love.He is faced with the dilemma of choosing Sam's world or moving forward with his new girlfriend Tess also known as "sailor girl" who is planning a solo trip around the world.Charlie works in the graveyard in order to be close to Sam and feels he can't break his promise to his brother.



I didn't find this movie predictable, but it contained some inconsistencies or things that may be offensive to some. After the accident Charlie abstains from alcohol and one wonders if this is because of the accident, but later he seems to drink freely.I found the parts where he sees other ghosts to be a tad confusing at first viewing, but it all made sense later on.People who have died in the film seem to be in a sort of half-way state when they stay on earth until they are "ready" to go on to heaven.It seems in the story that they choose this time themselves, when they are ready to go. Some are ready to go quickly as Charlie's former classmate who went on to war and others are hesitant to go such as Sam because he wants to stay with Charlie. It's not clear where Sam is whenhe isn't with Charlie. Sam does not seem to be aware of people who died, but Charlie's friend tells Charlie he will say hi to Sam for him when he decides to go.Also, the location of the implied love-making scene will be viewed by some as inappropriate even though it is within "PG guidelines".



I like the strong Catholic Christian message in the film and although there is some minimal swearing and a few religious exclamations with God's name, the message that God has a purpose for people's lives comes through clearly.I also like how the paramedic who saved Charlie's life attributed Charlie's second chance to God's intervention. He wore a St. Jude charm around his neck and later we find out that St. Jude is the Saint for desperate or hopeless causes. Charlie learns through his experiences why God gave him a second chance and he is able to apply this same truth that was passed on to him, allowing a miracle to happen.



I'd recommend this film for Zac fans, but also people who want a story to think through things on a deeper level.The last time I went to see the film, on its last day showing here, I was the only person in the theatre which I hope isn't a bad sign as to the movie's popularity. If so, that would be too bad as it is a good movie even though it's not everyone's "cup of tea". It's pretty sad in parts, so do make sure you have kleenexes in your pocket so you don't have to use the theatre's serviettes! (Am I the only one who does that?...Winks) Also, Zac can cook for me anytime! :)

Posted on October 9, 2011

Chasidy Loszynski says...

What a great movie, a little predictable, but not too much.It had a happy ending, and in this case predictability was a good thing, I was hoping it would end the way it did. Charlie St cloud is a kid who seemed to have it all going for him. He loved sailing and practised it religiously. He got so good at it that he recieved a scholarship to Stanford University.But when a car accident takes his little brothers life, Charlie's guilt and loss cripples him mentally. He now has the ability to communicate with dead, specifically is little brother who he meets everyday before sundown to play catch. This movie is a tear jerker, the love between the brothers was too much to bear. I guess it helps that Zac Efron is just so damn gorgeous you simple can't not love him. Great movie, Fabulous performance by Zac Efron as Charlie St Cloud, this is the beginning for Zac, I hope he stays away from silly movie roles and moves forward and up with dramatic parts, he is VERY good at it.

Posted on October 9, 2011