SnoopyStyle Three Iraq vets are back in the States. Sgt T.K. Poole (Michael Pena) is going home to his fiancée in Vegas. Pvt Colee Dunn (Rachel McAdams) is returning her boyfriend's guitar to his family in Vegas. Sgt Fred Cheever (Tim Robbins) is retired and going home to his wife in St. Louis. The three are stranded at JFK Airport and they rent a minivan for a road trip.Rachel McAdams is oddly funny. In fact, all three actors do a good job. They have great chemistry together. It's like a three way boxing match. They fight, they laugh, they cry, and they hug. We have three solid actors doing some pretty interesting gymnastics.A lot of things happen on this trip. Some of it is too out there. Let's just say the tornado is a little too much.

w-space Three stars given strictly for three wonderfully talented actors - McAdams, Pena, Robbins - who, regrettably, had zero opportunity to display such talent in this turkey. Not to malign turkeys.As for the rest of the cast? They all "acted" like they had something better to do...which, in the case of this flick, they probably did. Regardless, for the simple fact of being paid, one should give more than a listless performance. Hey, maybe another three stars for "phoning it in."Writing: inane drivel. Directing: lacklustre at best. Most annoying: the constant "You OK? You OK?" filler dialogue. Film could have been good. Wasn't. IMO.

Chrysanthepop While there have been many movies about 'soldiers picking up the pieces after returning home from war', Neil Burger's story takes a refreshing look with a touch of humour, sarcasm and compassion. Three soldiers, Fred (Tim Robbins), Colee (Rachel McAdams) and T.K (Michael Peña) cross paths as they are on their way back from a German hospital to the states. Fred looks forward to reuniting with his wife and son, Colee plans to return her dead boyfriend's guitar to his parents and T.K. claims to have a fiancée waiting. As they reach the states, their connecting flights get cancelled and together, the three embark on a roadtrip that will change their lives.Most successful road movies require characters that are interesting and the road-trip in the film is usually a metaphor for the characters' journey from one situation to another, a growth of sorts. Otherwise it's pretty much like watching a travel documentary. While Burger beautifully captures the American landscape, it is his three principle characters who keep the viewer involved with their wit, charm, compassion, and even recklessness. As they move ahead on their trip, each heading towards a different destination, a wonderful friendship develops and here the trip is a metaphor of the characters reaching a place of self awareness. Saying more would be giving away the story.With fine cinematography, good scoring and editing and decent special effects, 'The Lucky Ones' is well executed. The odd, but very likable casting of Tim Robbins, Michael Peña and Rachel McAdams is terrific. The three are very convincing on screen as three unlikely people who become friends. Peña displays a subtle intensity that is well complemented by McAdams's subtle humour. Despite all the hardship, Colee remains optimistic but tough. Robbins does an excellent job as Fred who comes home only to find that his expectations have been shattered and while he is desperate to raise money for his son, he is breaking on the inside but his new friends provide just the kind of comfort and confidence he needs.There are a few minor quibbles. I found the tornado sequence to be forced and it just suddenly appears out of nowhere to solve one of the character's problems. While the ending was predictable, it wasn't a bad ending but I would have preferred an alternative conclusion.Overall, 'The Lucky Ones' is a splendid film that is a good balance of intensity and humour. These three characters involve us through their adventurous journey that is an enjoyable ride all the way.

pc95 I wasn't sure if I liked "The Lucky Ones" from the opening moments - it seemed a little implausible and contrived, but over the runtime the movie settled into some interesting character development and story. I liked the directors willingness to keep it low-key and quirky. (spoiler) One of the better scenes in the movie was the party, where we finally listen to some serious conversation and reflection on the current wars. The dialog is well written here, as you start to see the unwarranted and sneering ridicule that comes out misdirected at US Servicemen. The detractor/anti-war character in the conversation demonstrates the idiocy of protesting a war to people in the service. The actors all do good jobs, and by the end the eventuality doesn't seem surprising but highly fitting. Good movie.