The Lucky Ones

The Lucky Ones (2008) starring Rachel McAdams, Tim Robbins, Michael Pena. Three Iraq War veterans return to the United States and end up embarking on a cross-country road trip together. Each has his or her own wounds to deal with, both physical and psychological. They are "lost souls," with only each other to rely on. McAdams steals the picture with her enthusiastic performance as Colee, a private who has a flesh wound and a guitar she has salvaged from her squadron-mate Randy, who was killed by an IED. Colee hopes to return the guitar to Randy's family, and to ingratiate herself with them. Each of the three combat veterans has issues to deal with, however, and they try to help each other, with varying results. I found this movie engaging, although some of the side trips the trio took were unnecessary. Worth seeing for McAdams performance, if nothing else. (Subtitles in English are available for the hearing-impaired.) Grade: B