Haters be damned! I enjoyed The Last Song starring Miley Cyrus. Now, I realize that there’s a lot of contempt and animosity toward Miss Cyrus from a variety of sources, and since she is a public figure and a celebrity that’s fine. People are entitled to their opinion of Miley Cyrus just like I am entitled to my opinion about her.
I have no problem with Miley Cyrus. I enjoyed her in Hannah Montana: The Movie and I liked her in this film. Every actor has to have a chance to break away from the roles they are typically known for. Some succeed, some fail. At least she was given a shot and the results aren’t as disastrous as other reviewers may have you believe.
Now, we are in the Nicolas Sparks universe for this film, which means that plenty of emotional baggage, drama, and tears are part of the formula. With a film like The Last Song that’s based on a novel by Nicolas Sparks you pretty much know what you’re going to get: the Nicolas Sparks brand.
Miley plays Ronnie, a troubled teen who goes to stay with her estranged dad (Greg Kinnear) over the summer. While there she meets a guy (Liam Hemsworth), reconciles with her family, and becomes a better person.
I felt that The Last Song was well-made and did what it set out to do. Yes, it’s not for everyone. It is a movie targeted at a specific demographic that would go and see a film like this or rent it for a sleepover (that would be tween girls). At the same time, it’s also a film that my mom and grandma would enjoy, so it’s pretty much a chick flick if you haven’t figured that out yet.
Still, I have to laugh at some of the critics who hate this film. One said that the film “manipulates your emotions.” Wait? Are you telling me that this is the only film ever made in the history of cinema that purposefully manipulates the audience’s emotions? I would say that EVERY film sets out to manipulate your emotions in order to create an impact on the viewer.
Other critics just don’t like Miley Cyrus. Again, people are entitled to their opinion, but I think she deserves some credit for taking on a dramatic role and doing a decent job. Miley has the opportunity to grow as an actress and should be given the chance. After all, the great Jack Nicholson was told by an acting teacher that he should find another profession and look at what happened to him.
Other notable performances in the film are the always reliable Greg Kinnear and Bobby Coleman who plays Miley’s brother in the film. Both Kinnear and Coleman do a great job with the highly emotional content of the story. Liam Hemsworth also delivers the goods as Ronnie’s love interest.
The Blu-ray bonus features include: an Alternate Opening Sequence; Deleted Scenes; a Set Tour with Bobby Coleman; Miley Cyrus Music Video: “When I Look At You”; The Making of “When I Look At You” with Miley Cyrus; and Audio Commentary.
For people who enjoyed The Notebook, Dear John, and other Nicolas Sparks adaptations, The Last Song fits right into the novel-to-film anthology. If you despise Nicolas Sparks, Miley Cyrus, or emotional films, stay away.
But I liked it. So there.
The Last Song is available NOW on DVD, Blu-ray, and Blu-ray/DVD combo pack.