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Release Date: August 17, 2010
Rating: PG
Running Time: Approx 107 minutes
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 to you won’t soon forget.
Now if you've seen or read previous Nicholas Sparks films/books than this film is completely predictable. It's a love story and there's a death. The set up is not as smooth as it is in the book, but once the film gets going, you get sucked in. Though easily predictable, who can't get sucked into a love story and broken family? Yes, I'll say it...it's what you would expect a melodrama starring Miley Cyrus to be. Miley is not fantastic when tackling drama. But because Miley fell in love with her co-star, Liam that obviously made their chemistry much sweeter on screen. If they hadn't fallen in love, I don't think that this film would have been as good as it is. It is so much fun to watch the romance unravel between both Miley and Liam and their characters Ronnie and Will. Aside from the romantics, Ronnie's relationship with her father clearly needs repairing. Unfortunately it takes a tragedy to make this happen, but better late than never. Ronnie came to the South from New York at the beginning of the summer one person and left a completely different person. She met her first love and lost a very important one. Sure, I enjoyed Sparks' other book/film, Dear John that came out in theaters the same month as The Last Song. There's not as much depth in The Last Song but Ronnie learns to find herself and appreciate love and life in such an innocent way and that is what I love about The Last Song. It's sweet, it's charming, it's heartwarming. This is a feel good movie that will leave you thinking about how you will next show your appreciation for the ones that you love and the opportunities that you have. If you want the best insight into these characters though, I do recommend reading the book.
Bonus Features:
Set Tour with Bobby Coleman (5:06 minutes) – Actor, Bobby Coleman takes viewers behind the scenes of the movie set in Tybee Island, Georgia while he interviews various crew members including Interview Producer, Adam Shankman, Miley Cyrus' Trailer Security Guard, Warren, Makeup Department Head, John R. Bayles, Hair Department Head, Patricia Glasser, Key Craft Services, Reva Grantham, Grip, Chris "Barefoot" Alled, and Video Assist, Charles "Chaz" Laughon. Miley Cyrus makes a brief appearance in this feature. Overall, this is a fun feature to watch since viewers are introduced to crew members that usually are never in the spotlight. As far as a tour, there isn't a general layout shared as to where the departments are on the set amongst each other but this feature was worth it just to meet some of the amazing people who worked on this film.
Making of the Music Video, “When I Look At You” with Miley Cyrus (4:20 minutes) - Miley Cyrus talks about how the song became attached to the film and Director, Adam Shankman talks about the premise of the music video in this special feature as well as working with Miley and the cast and crew. I was happy that it was made a point that the goal was to create a more mature and still simple version of Miley Cyrus. Even though Miley's character in the book is grungier, I love the wardrobe and look that was chosen for Miley on screen. She pulled off the look great. Also in this feature, co-star, Liam Hemsworth talks about his part in the music video and production designer, Nelson Coates talks about the use of the black grand piano in the music video. The shots of the grand piano are my favorite in the music video, so I definietly appreciated the time spent on talking about it. Overall, this was a very well produced special feature that I would watch again and again if I was a huge Miley fan. It's a very well put together behind the scenes look.
Miley Cyrus Music Video: “When I Look At You” (4:15 minutes) - Miley fans, the entire music video is on this DVD as a special feature and it's a fabulous one. Miley is all grown up and in a classy way in this music video. Not only is the song beautiful, but the setting is as well and everything about this music video is fantastic. It is definitely worth the watch, whether you are a Miley fan or not.
Commentary - The commentary was conducted by director, Julie Ann Robinson and co-producer Jennifer Gibgot. Honestly, I was not all that captivated by this commentary. This was probably the least interesting commentary that I have listened to in quite some time. There were a few interesting facts that I learned. For instance, the crew scouted 4 states before they reached their shooting location of Georgia. Though Georgia did provide a number of weather conflicts. Another conflict was working with raccoons. Listen to the commentary for the reason why. Liam got scuba certified and Miley had a body double, Stephanie since Miley was under the age of 18 while filming and her work hours were restricted. You'll see Stephanie many times in the film and not even realize it is her. Although while watching the film, I did notice a certain shot was not Miley (when Ronnie is leaning against the door after she gets kissed) since Miley is not as short as Stephanie. Anyway, there is lots to learn about what went on behind the scenes though it's honestly just too boring and dry of a commentary to listen to in one sitting or right after viewing the film.
Own The Last Song on DVD & Blu-ray today.
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