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THE LUCY ONES

Starring: Tim Robbins, Rachel McAdams and Michael Pena

Directed By: Neil Burger 

R for language and some sexual content

By John Delia

There have been many films over the past two years that get very preachy about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan but actually do more to disturb than to relate.  This is not the case of The Lucky Ones a poignant yet humorous film that took me on a road trip to reason and realism created by an interesting story that was nicely directed and written for the screen.  

The movie centers on three very different US soldiers who meet by chance in a New York airport while returning from Iraq after a long time tour of duty.  The area around the airport has experienced a blackout and it strands the returning military for a possible two days.  TK Pool (Pena), on a one-month leave after being wounded, is anxious to get to his destination as are Cheaver (Robbins) and Colee (McAdams).  Since Pittsburgh has the closest operating airport Cheaver, Pool and Colee decide to share a rental car. What begins as a short trip unexpectedly turns into a cross-country marathon. Along the way the three share their experiences involving broken dreams and a country divided over the war.

The film has some very humorous scenes, as you would expect in most road movies, and in this one, some of them are down right hilarious.  I especially enjoyed the rest stop where Colee and Cheaver try to get TK involved with two professional sex therapists to rekindle his manhood.   But entwined within the comical trip are some very serious overtones surrounding the war, family and relationships that make the film heartbreaking as well.

The cast does a stellar job in bringing the captivating characters to life.  Pena provides the pathos, McAdams the pity and Robbins the grief, while all three share the chore of making the film fun loving as well.  But, I especially liked McAdams in the role of the insecure Colee who journeys to the parents she has never met of her fellow soldier and lover who has been killed in the war.  Having no family of her own, her plan is to take the place of their lost son. 

Writer/director Burger provides and outstanding story, tactfully presenting the humors drama in an unconditional way as to let the audience decide on how they should feel about war and it’s effect on our soldiers.  I especially liked the way he handled the meeting between the three at the airport and setting up a bond as they worked their way across country. 

The film contains some scenes of sex and language, so be cautioned when making decisions on attending the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS:  The Lucy Ones should not be missed if you like road movies that are not only humorous but have meaning as well.  (4 of 5 stars)