Blu-Ray Review: The Last Song

The Last Song
Written by:  Nicholas Sparks & Jeff Van Wie based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks
Directed by:  Julie Anne Robinson
Starring:  Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Bobby Coleman with Kelly Preston and Greg Kinnear
Special features: Alternate Opening Sequence, Deleted Scenes, Set Tour with Bobby Coleman, Miley Cyrus Music Video "When I Look At You", Making of the Video, Audio Commentary and a DVD copy of the film.

From the box:

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.

Unfortunately, that is not completely true.  The Last Song is pretty forgettable. 

Miley Cyrus hits the big screen in her first non Hannah Montana role as a supposedly troubled teenager girl, or at least one with a bad attitude, who comes to spend the summer with her dad in his sleepy beach town.  They don't get along for about ten minutes and then it's all good.  She meets some volleyball guy who has charisma like wet cheese and falls in love (on and off screen).  This being a Nicholas Sparks film you can probably guess what happens next.

In all honesty, The Last Song isn't that bad.  It's a perfectly serviceable film that will hit its intended audience exactly where it wants.  It's nothing that will be remembered in a year, in fact I'm sure people will have a hard time remembering it was even released at all, but while you're watching it's enjoyable.

The performances are decent.  The highlights and the real emotional connection come from Greg Kinnear and Bobby Coleman, who at times steals the show.  Miley is okay.  In fact, she gets better as the film goes on. I think she has the potential to be great but needs more practice outside the realm of a Disney sitcom.  Liam Hemsworth falls pretty flat for me.

On the format, the film looks great.  The colors are crystal clear and vibrant and the sound is perfect.  The special features are pretty blah for a Disney release.  It seems like the biggest draw is the music video, which is underwhelming at best.  The song, I'll admit, is pretty great.  I like it a lot.  I just wish the video was a little better.

Overall, The Last Song is a syrupy love story with a completely unnecessary, albeit it expected, plot point.  It's forced to say the least.  The film is good for what it is but once the credits roll, it's out of sight out of mind.


The Last Song is available now on Blu-Ray and DVD.