The summer movie season is in full force and there have already been some big hits like Eclipse and Inception and the much anticipated Toy Story 3. Films like Charlie St. Cloud that don’t boast frenzied followings, edgy story lines, knock-your-socks-off cinematography or a stylish pair of 3-D glasses sometimes find themselves on the proverbial “back shelf” of summer movie releases. But I’m here to tell you why you should take the time to go see it.

It’s been billed as a “romantic drama” but honestly, the storyline is more focused on the relationship between brothers Charlie and Sam St. Cloud. Your boyfriend or husband or any other male who may accompany you to the movie theater isn’t being wrangled into seeing just another “chick flick”. That being said, yes, there is a romantic relationship aspect, yes there are some heavy duty emotional scenes however, it all works together to tell a story of death and life and love and loss. We can all relate to those.

Without giving away too much of the plot, this is a movie that will surprise you. Things aren’t always as they seem and just when you think you know which way the story is headed, well, you don’t. And if you’ve read the book, The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud, before seeing the movie, you’ll still be pleasantly surprised by the interpretations that director, Burr Steers makes with the storyline.

The movie is extremely well cast from Kim Basinger as the mother of the St. Cloud boys to Ray Liotta as a gruff yet wise seer. Amanda Crew (Tess Carroll), previously seen in The Haunting in Connecticut and She’s the Man, plays a strong, female lead with the grace and intensity usually found in more seasoned actresses. Charlie Tahan (Sam St. Cloud) has a maturity of character beyond his years and brings the viewer into the brotherly relationship with his soulful eyes, adorable smile and quick wit.

And of course, there is Zac Efron. You grew to love him in the High School Musical trilogy, you found him charming in 17 Again but you will be blown away by his depth of skill in Charlie St. Cloud. Efron (Charlie St. Cloud) surprised me with his ability to go deeply into a character without seeming overly brooding and sappy. I could feel Charlie’s struggles, his desire to keep his promise to his brother juxtaposed against his need to live life to its fullest. When Charlie smiled and laughed, I wanted to smile and laugh and when Charlie cried, I wanted to cry. This movie proves that Efron is much more than singing and dancing eye candy. (But it doesn’t hurt that he is nice to look at! ~wink~)

Girls Night Out, date night, have a few hours to kill? Go see Charlie St. Cloud, you’ll be glad you did!