By Lisa DiCarlucci, Entertainment Editor
You don’t have to be Miss Cleo to figure out the plot of the latest Nicholas Sparks adaptation, “The Last Song.” It follows the same predictable formula as every other novel/film to come before it: someone falls in love, screws it up, fixes it and then, naturally, someone dies. Mix in some family problems, emotional baggage and the perfect southern backdrop and you too, could write a Nicholas Sparks novel that gets turned into a movie.
To this film’s credit though, “The Last Song” has a few high points. The cast was believable, the story pulled at your heartstrings and Miley Cyrus actually didn’t blow it. Technically, was it an incredible film? No. Was it enjoyable and worked for its target audience? Yes.
The film had every opportunity to turn into an “emo” episode of “Hannah Montana.” I anticipated laughing at Miley Cyrus’ attempt at serious acting, but was pleasantly surprised. Her persona as a Disney Channel star did not work in her favor as it took a while to buy her playing angsty teenager Ronnie, but soon enough everything fell into place. It’s a cheesy role in a cheesy film, but Miley knows cheese and she made the best of it. It helped that her onscreen romance continued off-screen with co-star Liam Hemsworth making their kisses blush-worthy.
The cast member that really stole the entire film though was the younger brother, Jonah (Bobby Coleman). At just twelve years old, Coleman produced the most laughter and the most tears of any character in the film. He was completely charming and adorable. His scenes with and about his father (Greg Kinnear) will absolutely break your heart.
Hemsworth, Cyrus’ new beau, proved that he could be famous in his own right, not just as a pop star’s arm candy. His acting was good enough for this film, as he played romantic and persistent very well. It helps that he isn’t bad to look at either; the tweens (and the twenties) will swoon over his smile. Though his southern dialect could use some serious work, it’ll be interesting to see this Aussie grow in the acting world.
A Nicholas Sparks’ film is either your thing or it isn’t and you pretty much know the answer before you even see the trailer. If it is your thing, “The Last Song” is highly recommended. I enjoyed it more than other Sparks’ films and it makes good on the expectation of a good cry and a hopeful young love.
If it’s not your thing, steer clear; you have been warned.