I have studiously avoided all things High School Musical and consequently have something of a soft spot for Zac Efron. The Efron I know from 17 Again and Me and Orson Welles is a likable, versatile sort of chap, with more charisma and comic timing than is usually seen from the all singing, all dancing variety of child stars.
Efron’s latest vehicle, The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud is apparently based on a best-selling book. Personally I’ve never heard of it but I imagine it as one of those “pastel” ones that I steer well clear of (contrary to the old adage colour schemes have become a remarkably handy way to judge a book by its cover). The film follows the eponymous Charlie in the aftermath of a car accident that claimed the life of his young brother. After his near death experience Charlie finds that he can see the spirits of recently departed souls and vows to meet his dead brother every evening in the forest.
If this all sound a little “TV Movie of the week”, that’s because it is. With this plot, a little mawkishness is unavoidable but director Burr Steers (17 Again) mostly keeps things on the right side of saccharine. This is also thanks in no small part to the subtle touch of the mighty Efron, who, surprisingly enough, does a nice line in brooding. In the supporting roles there is a zany Englishman, a charming love interest and a sparky ghost boy; all of whom are instantly likable.
The success of the young cast members is made all the more evident when placed beside the baffling cameos by veterans Kim Basinger and Ray Liotta. Basinger (as the St. Cloud matriarch) bustles around a bit and vanishes fifteen minutes into the movie and Liotta, who plays a paramedic in a constant state of barely controlled religious hysteria. Very odd indeed…but thankfully their appearances are brief.
All in all this is a pleasant enough way to spend a couple of hours; a supernatural weepy that is gratifyingly low on schmaltz.