Even before the opening title, The Last Song has one big mouse on its back - Miley Cyrus. I can't think of a more polarizing celebrity to headline a big movie. To some, she's a packaged Disney product with no real talent. To others, she's one of Hollywood's bright, new, young stars. The Last Song is Cyrus' attempt to bring her career from under the mouse ears. This is no big feat, but unlike the whole "Can't be Tamed" musical debacle, this one shows some promise. Is she a breakout star ready for an Oscar run? Not in the slightest. But, with the right direction, script and coaching, she might be looking at a solid career.
Cyrus' performance is certainly one of The Last Song's brighter moments. The script is a typical Nicholas Sparks effort. Storytelling and character development are on the weak side and follow a consistent format. Ronnie (Miley Cyrus) is a "bad girl" (well, as bad as a one of Sparks' characters can get) from New York who is sent to live with her father, Steve (Greg Kinnear) for the summer. The thing is, Ronnie blames her dad for her parents' divorce and isn't happy with the arrangement. Teenage brooding and rebellion ensues (well, as rebellious as a Sparks' character can get).
Ronnie's life changes when she meets Will (Liam Hemsworth), the island's rich kid mechanic/ aquarium volunteer. After bonding over a sea turtle nest rescue, Ronnie and Will fall for each other. The two share a summer romance, several musical montages, and a tragic event that changes both their lives.
Romance, tragedy, an overly dramatized kiss...The Last Song has it all. As a film, The Last Song is scrawny and lacks any real depth. The film's saving grace is its chemistry. Cyrus and Hemsworth's chemistry is on the mark and helps sell the couple's romance despite the lack of character development. This isn't unexpected considering their real-life relationship. Cyrus and Kinnear's chemistry is, surprisingly, just as strong. I'd even venture to say its stronger than Hannah Montana's father-daughter relationship.
Still, Cyrus still has a long way to go. There's a tendency to over play scenes, particularly late in the film. Though her performance helps elevate early scenes, it doesn't go well with the hastily slapped together final act. Fans will eat it up, but for me it was an overly melodramatic shift in focus. The loss of focus really comes into full focus after viewing the deleted scenes. I understand the idea behind removing the scenes, but they add a lot to the story. Not that director Julie Anne Robinson does a bad job, but there's some directorial uncertainty in where the story's heart lies.
The Last Song comes in a Blu-ray/ DVD two pack loaded with extras. The top feature is commentary with Robinson and co-producer Jennifer Gibgot. Though not the most informative feature commentary I've heard, it was one of the more relaxing. There's a surprising amount of information tucked into the duo's banter. There's also an alternate opening, as well as a set tour with Bobby Coleman, who plays Ronnie's kid brother, Jonah. It's a cute kid giving a set tour... you know what to expect. Finally, there's a one-two combo of the "When I Look at You" video and a "Making of the Music Video." This is mostly a look at how the video was shot accompanied by commentary from Cyrus about the song.
When it comes to the Blu-ray vs. DVD decision, this is really up to the viewer. The transfer looks and sounds great, but this isn't a visual showpiece. It's just a matter of whether or not you want the best possible version of the film. It's worth noting the deleted scenes and alternate opening are exclusive to the Blu-ray release.
Getting back to my previous point, you already know what you're getting with The Last Song. Though it will hold some appeal for both Nicholas Sparks and Miley Cyrus fans, it's not a particularly well-told story and a rental at best.
