Miley Cyrus shines as the star of this heartwarming coming-of-age movie that will strike your emotional chords. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks (Dear John, The Notebook), The Last Song follows Ronnie (Cyrus) and her estranged father as he tries to restore the loving relationship they once had. But reconnecting with his rebellious daughter isn’t easy, so he chooses the one thing they still have in common – music. Complete with not-to-be-missed bonus features – the Miley Cyrus music video “When I Look At You,” exclusive interviews with the actress and more – this uplifting and touching drama about family, first loves and second chances is a heartfelt story you won’t soon forget.
Yes, I watched a Nicholas Sparks movie. Sigh. My daughter really wanted to see this, and so when I was offered a copy for review, I couldn’t say no. And it honestly wasn’t as bad as I thought. Yes, it was emotionally manipulative, and, no, Cyrus wasn’t without flaw, but it made a good movie to share with my daughter and gave me a reason to have a good long cry that I’d needed for a long time. 
The rest of the cast helped make the film worth watching, including Greg Kinnear, who I consider completely under-rated as an actor. Bobby Coleman, the young actor who played Ronnie’s younger brother, was also exceptional.
When we finished the film, Natalie turned to me and said, “She’s much better than she was in Hannah Montana, but she’s still not as good as she could be.” I started thinking about the reasons for this – because she can deliver a line and she can emote when she has to. But it’s the in-between times, the transitions, the times when she’s listening to another actor, that don’t feel natural. It’s something that the actors we call brilliant do completely naturally, and it’s the reason why they don’t appear to be “acting.” I hope she can get some good coaching in that area to help her take that final step from competent to good.
The Last Song (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
(Disclosure: The Last Song was provided to me by Click Communications for the purpose of review. Many of the links on my site are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of those links and subsequently purchase anything, I will receive a small percentage in commission.)
Twitter: bookingit
says:
My daughter was also interested in this one, but we never made it to see it in the theater. I should consider getting the DVD for us to watch together when my husband is traveling.
Thanks for your review, assuring me it isn’t too painful, and for the insights on acting– what you said makes sense.
Laura @ I’m Booking It´s last post ..Mailbox Monday
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Laura – no, not too painful at all.
It sounds like a great movie for you and your daughter to share. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Miley Cyrus act in anything.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Kathy – she’s definitely gotten better than when she first started!
Twitter: youvegottaread
says:
Haha. I had the same reaction when my daughter begged to see this movie in the theater. (Since then she has rented it on Pay Per View.) My poor son and I drug our feet, prepared for the worst. And it really wasn’t that bad, was it? Cyrus does have some talent, and Kinnear is always so pleasant to watch. There are good lessons in there, amongst the manipulation. I laughed a couple of times. Which says something, considering my initial attitude. Still, I wouldn’t be caught dead reading the thing.
Sandy´s last post ..Monday Movie Meme – Prison Break
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Sandy – i haven’t read a Nicholas Sparks since A Walk to Remember, but I do love the movie The Notebook.
Glad you got that good cry you’ve been needing and deserving to have! One thing is for sure these movies based on Nicholas Sparks books are always good tear jerkers. I’ve seen The Notebook several times and it gets me every time I watch it and I don’t consider myself a person that cries too easily. Glad too that the movie was a nice experience that you and your daughter could share.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Kathleen – I’m the same way about The Notebook!
Once I was watching a show about a great pianist, and he said something along the lines of, “The true art of playing a piano isn’t in the notes but the pauses in between.” I think that’s true about a lot of art forms.
heidenkind´s last post ..TSS-Harry Potter and the Book of Double Entendres
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Tasha – that’s a terrific saying!