Taking a different approach to the recent, mostly ignored spate of
Iraq war dramas, The Lucky Ones applies the sweet road-trip
formula, following three very different soldiers home from the war and
sticking them in a Dodge Caravan for a few days. When it works, it’s
due to the lived-in and relatable characters overcoming contrived plot
devices and a distractingly lame soundtrack. Michael Pena and Tim
Robbins are solid, but it’s Rachel McAdams who once again proves her
natural, killer acting chops. Her performance is the best reason to
take in this entertaining, mostly politics-free concoction.
This article appears in Jul 30 – Aug 5, 2009.