The Lucky Ones (2008) Movie Review

The Lucky Ones is more than anything a road movie with likeable characters that are veterans from the Iraq War. The film has been slated as a war movie, but it is not war film, nor is an anti-war or liberal film such as In the Valley of Elah or Stop-Loss. This is a road movie that is a not perfect, but moving at times and satisfying with a sprinkle of comedy in it.

The film follows three soldiers on leave for 30 days from Iraq. There is the older Sgt. Cheever (Tim Robbins), who has actually finished his tour with an injured back and is looking forward to spending time with his family in St. Louis. Colee (Rachel McAdams) is a spunky young private that was shot in the leg and is returning her fallen comrade’s guitar to his family in Las Vegas. Sgt. T.K. Poole (Michael Pena) was also injured by taking a piece of shrapnel to his private parts, in which he hopes that specialists in Las Vegas can help him fix the functions that the shrapnel injured so that he will not be a disappointment to his fiancée. The three meet on a flight to New York City and after a blackout at the airport, the decision is made for them to share the last rental van to go across country to their destinations. Each solider has a different story and a different perspective, but all three become like family with each other. The characters each have their moment of self-discovery and reflection of their experience not only as a solider, but with life in general.

Under the direction and co-written by Neil Burger (The Illusionist), The Lucky Ones is not a political film or intends to have a political statement. This has been a big criticism of the film, but overall the film works better as all focus being with these characters. There are some humorous moments in the film, but for the most part it is a drama that is touching and identifiable at times. Burger does nothing extraordinary with the camera, but does capture the usual road trip landscapes and pit stops moderately. The script never gets boring, though it does get silly at times, such as the addition of a tornado in a symbolic and realization scene that did feel a little overboard. Overall, Burger did capture the mood and story that he wanted to tell, which may be something that everyone can understand, but might not agree with.

Tim Robbins is more secure that usual in his role as Cheever, but he is still solid as always playing the father figure of the group. Michael Pena has delivered better work in the past, but still brings a relaxed approached to the role of T.K. The performance of the film is by Rachel McAdams, who is terrific as the dedicated Colee, who is torn into a decision that is the center of the entire last act of the film. McAdams has proven she can do romance and comedy in the past, but this performance it proves that she is capable of characterization and is one talented upcoming star.

The Lucky Ones is a character study that could have come across and political statement, propaganda, or a preachy anti-war film with the current war in Iraq. In a very smart move by Burger, Iraq is not uttered once in the film, and the film is grateful for those that serve in the military. First and foremost this is a road movie that is told well in a simple nature.