Characters like him always draw me out of a movie they are never believable, no matter who plays them.

Efron was good at what he had to do.
Its that man again!!

Terrible role, more than terrible casting!
"Your mother puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?!"

I understand where you're coming from. When I saw him, cringe worthy moments of high school musical started coming back to me, but I was able to repress them back to the dark depths of my mind. His performance didn't really remind me of Spiccoli, but more of those annoying pseudo-spiritual hipsters who've taken way too many drugs you encounter now and then. So in that case he nailed it perfectly!

Back then even only 2 years ago he was not that famous as he is now. Regardless High School Musical etc. Since then he's done some good roles. Couple of days ago I decide to watch some of his films and I have to say I was impressed, not by his looks to be clear. Yes he's fine and I was 14 or 15 when first watch HSM and of course had crush on him, but now after all this years I think he grew well and has a very bright feature ahead of him in serious cinema. Anyway, back on topic - I think he did a great small role here. I just watched the movie and really got me thinkin'.

Wasn't charmed by his appearance. Could easily have given that part to a less well known actor. Would have worked far better that way.

This message has been deleted.

I've been through all 3 High School Musical and Hairspray and so on but I didn't recognize him in this movie. I think he's good for this role, just some crazy dude. I'm not his fan BTW.

Really? He's actually a very good actor and not just a drool worthy, orgasmic face and body to look at.
(_)
can't outrun your own shadow

This might be the only movie I ever liked Zac in .

I'm not a big fan of Zac Efron, but I thought he was perfect, hilarious, and riveting as Nat.

No, it wasn't terrible casting. I truly liked him in this role, and the caterpillar scene was amazing! Also a really well-written scene and actually a bit of a turning point in the film. A shining example on how small comic relief characters can be important for the movie if using them right (and not just being there for fun). But that is of course a digression.
Point is, Efron captured both the eccentric part and also that his character has a vulnerable side (you see it for only a few seconds after the whole caterpillar speech, but still). I really got the feeling that he has an interesting story we didn't get to hear. Getting that out is a good accomplishment, considering he was on screen for two scenes and probably less than five minutes.

He was great.
Paddle faster, I hear banjos!

I loved Zac Efron in this role. It may be my favorite performance of his career.

I really liked him in this role. I had a constant smile every time he came on screen. PERFECT casting choice as far as I'm concerned!

Hahaha

Zac Efron is a terrible casting choice regardless of the role, i wonder how many times they had to start the scene again because he started dancing and playing basketball. or showing his yolo tattoo

This message has been deleted.

Agreed. I really liked his scenes, for some reason.

I couldn't care less about Zac Efron, but he was perfect in this film. He fit the character like a glove.
"You're Chocolate Chip Charlie!"

"ghost spirit" . . . yes, that's what I felt too about this figure. He just sort of turned up at such opportune times. More Jesse's imagination or conscience.

"I'm pretty sure he was a ghost/spirit or figment. I really don't think he was a "real" character, look at the books referenced"
I've seen this mentioned before, but having just watched it, in the early bar scene when he walks up to Zibby, she says 'oh, you made a friend' then proceeds to touch Zac Efron (Nat's) arm and he interacts in the scene.
I'm certain he was 'real' but think that would have made a great creative twist!

Zac Efron was a total delight in this film! The part itself was wonderful and he nailed it.
We were at Kenyon while they were at Kenyon the summer of 2011 when they were filming the movie. My kids went to swim camp there every summer. Beautiful school. One of the best in the country. Alma Matter of Paul Newman.

I agree with the general consensus that he aced it. It's a character that could be a disaster and ended up being incredibly charming. Efron totally committed to it. The scene where he "infused energy" into Radner was physical genius.
I thought he was real. But, if he wasn't real I also felt he could be a representation of Jessie himself - his subconscious youthful self and desires. Nat said he was visiting. He took Jessie to a party that Jessie could have come across on campus.
He asked out Zibby for Jessie. A lot of Jessie's interactions with Zibby were initiated and encouraged by Nat.