Baseshment I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Glimmerubro It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

Merolliv I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

Tymon Sutton The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

mc_croucher Zac Efron delivered a magnificent performance. He is definitely more than just the guy who was in the High School Musical movies. The story took me off guard and touched my heart with his devotion to his brother. Coming from someone who has lost someone, this story made every emotion possible flutter to the surface: sadness, hope, love, anger at fate, and desire to move forward. The grief that Zac Efron portrayed in the story is so accurate and so beautifully acted out. The brother, Sam (played by Charlie Tahan), was so precious. This movie over all was a rewarding film to watch, and a definite keeper. Congratulations Zac and Charlie for a stellar performance.

Patryk Czekaj I've read Ben Sherwood's book The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud a few year ago. I can honestly say that it was pretty enjoyable, due to its ability to get straight to the point in order to grasp the reader's attention and its easy-to-understand language. It's an emotionally–packed story of a great tragedy, where the main character tries to 'stay in touch' with his dead brother, and, at the same time, move on in order to develop a relationship with a newly met girl. After I have heard the news that the movie is about to come out I thought that t will be a great opportunity to test my imagination and reassure myself that the book possesses a special attitude that makes the plot very entertaining.I really thought that the choice of Zac Efron for the role of Charlie was a good one. His age, posture and physical abilities – all that seemed to be right on the spot. However, his inability to connect with the character that he was playing made his appearance particularly dull. One thing I must say for certain – this man can cry, and I mean cry like a newborn baby. Yet, his deeply unemotional and expressionless face in addition to the ever-occurring sobbing doesn't really capture the true grief behind the nature of Mr. St. Cloud. In the book he was a strong and independent man, regaining control of his own life. His depiction as a big crybaby didn't convince me. However, the picture shown on the screen can vary from the one originally written, right? This could have been the director's intention. Unfortunately, it came out all wrong. Of course, all the girls that are in love with Efron will be amazed, that is for sure. And I don't want to say that he is a bad actor, because he isn't. I just want to say that his performance here is bad. But let's just leave Zac alone and move forward. The role of Sam, the brother, is played rather well by Charlie Tahan, because he captured this character's presence correctly and honestly you can't expect more enthusiasm from a young boy, who is now a ghost still present among the living (it sounds depressing, but it was his choice to stay on Earth and always be near his big brother). Amanda Crew, playing the beautiful lady, who tries to convince Charlie that there is still more to life than mourning and that, especially right now, he should live to the fullest, is a bright star in this production. I loved her heartfelt attitude and the amount of positive balance that she brings onto the screen.However, the stagnant mood and melancholic atmosphere of the film make it a far from entertaining. On the plus side, it is supposed to be a tale about growing up and letting go, so let's just say that is a good thing in some strange sort of way.Indeed it can be said that this is a strong position in the teenage drama category. Looking from this perspective one can always find some inspiration and try to put himself in Charlie's traumatic position. Only then it carries a certain message and is slightly more appealing. That is why I wouldn't consider this movie to be a total flop, but developing my opinion from the point of reading the breathtaking book I'm not able to state that I'm satisfied with this adaptation.

Dale Haufrect Burr Steers has directed adequately this teenage film that will likely not appeal much to the adult population. There is little saving grace to this picture except to say that it is spiritual and directed toward the puerile mind. Zac Efron is the star of the show, and he gives an adequate performance as Charlie St. Cloud. His costar (Charlie Tahan) plays the younger brother, Sam, who is cute and must be appealing to all. There are a few cute moments of comedy. And there is sufficient tragedy to please the younger audiences, however, despite that fact and despite some nice music and photography, I cannot recommend this cinema to the frequent movie goer or to those who seek to rent it on Blu Ray DVD. My usual favorable streak of reviews for films was broken by this flick, a time wasted for adults who seek a more significant story line and more dynamic acting. I must add that I discourage one from renting it unless you have nothing better to do, i.e. text messaging or commenting on FB. This one got a level 2 from me.

vincentlynch-moonoi This is not a great film. But, of course, most films that come out of Hollywood are not great. But this is a good film, and worth watching (depending on your tastes) I had never seen Zac Efron before, and frankly, I wasn't expecting a lot. But he very nicely here. Others must agree...he has five films coming out in 2012! He's not JUST good looking. There's some substance there, and I expect we'll see quite a bit of him over the next few years.I also was not familiar with Amanda Crew, but she was quite good as the love interest in this film. The other actors do their jobs. The script is decent, and there's more to it than a Lifetime movie (which one of our reviewers said).This film won't end up on my DVD shelf, but I'm glad I watched it. It's in that Hollywood middle ground of quality. Worth a watch.