HOLLYWOOD—“Charlie St. Cloud” is a film that awakens a handsome young leading man, Zac Efron, in a role that is nothing like he’s ever played before. Though the movie can sometimes have its dark and dreary moments, Efron shines through as a leading man and proves he’s prepared for the coming of age film that officially makes him a bankable leading man in Hollywood.

The official synopsis for the film is as follows: “Charlie St. Cloud is a young man overcome by grief at the death of his younger brother. So much so that he takes a job as caretaker of the cemetery in which his brother is buried. Charlie has a special lasting bond with his brother though, as he can see him. Charlie meets up with his brother (Sam) each night to play catch and talk. Then, a girl comes into Charlie’s life, and he must choose between keeping a promise he made to Sam, or going after the girl he loves.”

The film has a decidedly dark storyline that goes on a bit too long it seems, though Zac Efron’s performance as a grief stricken young man is quite believable and impressive. Efron grows in the film, and if anyone didn’t think he has the dramatic acting chops that makes leading men so unforgettable on the silver screen, just take a look at his newest role. This film reminds me of “Ghost” starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. Efron’s Charlie goes on an incredible emotional and dream-like journey to be with his deceased brother Sam, played by Charlie Tahan. Director Burr Steers pushes Efron to give an award-worthy performance, and Kim Basinger, who is a real life mom, really pulls out all the stops to approach this role in such a realistic way of portraying a grieving mother, who has to worry more about the living sibling (Efron) who blames himself for his brother’s death.

Ray Liotta rounds out the stellar cast in a wonderful role as Florio Ferrente. Everyone really did their best work in this movie, and the writing was sharp enough so viewers won’t get overloaded with grief scenes. It’s a movie that does what films are supposed to do, make us wonder and dream.

“Charlie St. Cloud” receives Three and a half of Five Stars from this reviewer. It opens on Friday, July 30, nationwide.