I watched this moving three days ago, thinking that I might hate it, to be honest. All I knew about Lucky was that he was VERY famous and was a model. The trailer seemed okay, but even then, I judged it- like one review- as a few super models thrown together, but I was floored with how much I loved the characters and storyline! The acting was phenomenal, Christie wasn't just crying to cry (some actresses can fart tears, but her's were really from a deep place), Landon did such an awesome job as a teacher and wasn't anything like he is in person and of course his timing is spot on- never fake..., LUCKY- wow, I really saw humility in this guy and forgot that he was a catwalk model/famous/well known Mormon, and totally bought that he was a humble kid with a good heart that has a SOUL.
First off, the storyline draws a lot upon Pride and Prejudice, besides the use of quotes from the book. I REALLY loved hearing the quotes from the book. This wasn't some light teen drama, the storyline really had some deep connotations and was very well written. They addressed insecurity, depression, bullying- very deep issues that are too often overly dramatized or ignored- but it was portrayed very well. Teens and adults, could all learn something from this film.
Another aspect of the acting, character development (something that Rob is actually VERY good at developing in a movie, better than any director I know- character development- acting from a sincere place...) were all portraying such humility. There was a stark contrast between hatefully bullies of the world and people who are giving, kind and forgiving. In a world of increased makeup obsession, girls wearing loads of makeup and obsessing over material things, a movie about being happy despite poverty, portraying beauty without a pound of makeup, you see one cell phone- but no ipads, computers- teens living and enjoying life without all that is pretty awesome; this is something the movie industry has been missing- and another thing that I loved about this movie. The Father of Christie's character and Lucky's screen mom both played their characters in such an endearing manner- such humility is all that I can think of to describe it, and I wasn't sure how I'd like the screen mom- having seen CSI-Miami- I never saw that heart in her character before, but her acting was really well done. (backstory, I lived in Utah and knew many people involved- so I developed judgements the past year or so- from photos I've seen and whatnot- but seriously underestimated how well the acting was and how well the film was done).
Only the beginning was a tad rushed, I would like to have know more of the backstory, more dialogue, before they bolt and in the car. However, Lucky's acting right off was honest and he really committed to his role, I thought he truly was going to pass out...
The storyline was great.Background music was great. Though it was a drama, I didn't feel dragged down, it had a great message that I think everyone could take from, but if you don't like humble people, references to the best book ever written, great acting... then you're not smart enough to appreciate this movie ;)
