Cyrus, Greg Kinnear, Kelly Preston, Bobby Soleman, Liam Hemsworth |
Rated PG
The Last Song, Nicholas Sparks’
latest novel and now film, is a story of forgiveness, reconciliation
and love—crazy love.
When Ronnie Miller (Miley Cyrus) and
her brother, Jonah Miller (Bobby Soleman), visit their dad, Steve
Miller (Greg Kinnear), for the summer, Ronnie can’t help but
express the hurt she feels about her parents’ divorce. Ronnie
hasn’t coped and has even given up her music—the one thing she
and her dad had in common.
Things start to change when Ronnie
meets Will Blakelee. At first she wants nothing to do with him, but
Will breaks through her tough exterior. He is able as well to share
with her what he’s going through. Although the love story is a bit
expected, their sweet romance is a welcome part of the story.
Most important, Ronnie is able to
understand her dad in a new way. She can see he’s a different man,
and she’s able to talk to him about her feelings. And in return,
he’s able to give her a seasoned perspective; help her see that
love of all types can be crazy; and learn that even though love
sometimes hurts, it’s always worthwhile.
Audiences have come to expect twists in
Sparks’ stories, usually ones that produce tears. And The Last
Song is no exception. But the focus on love, family,
reconciliation and restoration make the wet tissues worth it.
Ronnie Miller’s character was written
specifically with Cyrus in mind for the part. And for her first
dramatic role, Cyrus delivers a convincing performance.
The Last Song is rated PG, but
the thematic elements and real-life situations make it appropriate
for preteens and older.