If you know me, you know I’ve got a thing for Zac Efron.
I’ve also seen—and read—every movie based on a Nicholas Sparks novel.
I must’ve done something right in a past life, because in 2012 the universe rewarded me by combining Peak Efron with Peak Sparks.
The result?
The Lucky One.
Who wouldn’t want to watch Zac Efron as a Marine with PTSD and survivor’s guilt? Logan (Efron) walks across the country to thank a woman he’s never met because he found her picture on the battlefield and believes it gave him luck. He finds Beth, a beautiful single mom who runs a dog kennel in a typical picturesque Nicholas Sparks town. She’s got an asshole of an ex-husband who interferes every chance he gets and threatens to take their son away whenever she asserts her independence.
Logan is the strong, sensitive, silent type. He fixes everything around the kennel without being asked. He reads great literature. He plays the piano. He’s great with Beth’s son. He could break the asshole ex-husband in half but doesn’t because he’s a gentleman.
He tells Beth she should be kissed “every day, every hour, every minute.”
Did I mention he’s a U.S. Marine?
Really, this is like my own personal blend of catnip.
In my favorite scene, Beth is standing at the window of her kitchen, washing—and washing—and washing—a pot as she watches Logan (in the most perfectly fitting relaxed jeans and t-shirt) load bags of dog food onto the bed of a pickup truck.
Her grandmother (scene stealer Blythe Danner) notices and finally says, “Well, that’s as clean as it’ll ever be.”
I know how you feel, girl.
This is part of my Movies I’m Grateful For series, running daily through the month of November.
Haha I don’t do rom coms or even roms but Peaky Effron as a Marine would do it for me too!
He really is delicious in this one! I’ve watched it more times than I care to admit….
Haha it’s allowed!
I am currenly Emeritus professor in Nicolas Sparks studies at the University of 21th Century Literature, and while I appreciate your clear diagram, I would like to see the Sparks films listed in order of quality as an appendix. Thank you.
Dear Professor: You must let me into your class. I am the biggest Nicholas Sparks fan–excuse me–scholar you will ever meet.
Appendix A: All Sparks Films Listed from Best to Worst:
Stone Cold Classics:
The Lucky One (admittedly I am biased due to previously detailed Zac Efron obsession), The Notebook, Safe Haven, A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle.
Mid Tier:
Nights in Rodanthe (Diane Lane! Richard Gere!), The Best of Me, Dear John
Bottom Feeders:
The Last Song, The Longest Ride, The Choice
Novel they most need to adapt: True Believer
Did I pass professor? Am I in?
Almost. I think Safe Haven is the best, that twist!
I do love Safe Haven! It’s my favorite of the novels, and the film does have a kick you don’t see coming in a Sparks movie.
I didn’t see it coming, and I’m still laughing about it now!
Laughing! You heartless prof!