THE LAST SONG
(PG)
MOVIE: **1/2 (out of 5)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: *** (out of 5)
BY KEVIN CARR
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Miley Cyrus gets a shot at a more grown-up acting role in the adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ book “The Last Song.” When Ronnie (Cyrus) and her brother move to Georgia to live with her dad for the summer, she isn’t happy. However, she soon meets a good looking boy on the beach who is more than she gives him credit for. They find a connection with saving the local sea turtles. And as they grow closer, Ronnie’s father uses music to reconnect with his daughter.
WHAT I LIKED
I have a confession to make… I like Miley Cyrus. I understand that she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and has had many more advantages than most aspiring musicians and actors have. Sure, her landing the “Hannah Montana” show probably had more to do with her father’s connection that her talent, but I don’t have a problem with her as a singer or an actor.
So there.
With that said, I think Cyrus is making a fine transition into grown-up acting. She’s still rough around the edges, but that’s more from the fact that she never had to prove herself on the Disney Channel. While this is still a Disney property, Cyrus is given a chance to stretch her acting wings and actually get into a real character. With so many young stars either unable to bridge the gap between child star and grown-up actor, or simply just imploding in the tabloids, I think Cyrus has a shot.
This is a good role for her to transition with because the girls that were ten when “Hannah Montana” started are well into their teenage years now, and this is who the movie is going for.
I’m not a teenage girl, so I wasn’t a fan of the film. But the locations looked great and the cast did a fine job acting.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
My problems with “The Last Song” result more from the involvment of Nicholas Sparks than anything else. He operates with such a formula. I’d list the elements to that formula, but it would spoil certain elements of the plot. So if you like the standard twists and turns of Sparks’ stories, you’ll enjoy this. Otherwise, you’ll be rolling your eyes a lot. It’s a bit contrived.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
The Blu-ray comes bundled with the DVD, both of which include an audio commentary, a set tour with Cyrus’ on-screen brother Bobby Coleman, her music video of “When I Look at You” and the making of the video.
Features exclusive to the Blu-ray include an alternate opening sequence and deleted scenes.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Teenage fans of Miley Cyrus and book group readers who love Nicholas Sparks’ novels.