Written by Vickie
March 31, 2010
A movie based on a Nicholas Sparks novel is a lot like a movie based on a John Grisham novel: you have a pretty good idea of exactly what you’re going to get before the first frame even unspools.
The Last Song is the latest in a long line of big-screen adaptations of Sparks books, and it contains all the author’s trademarks: star-crossed lovers, tragedy and plenty of tears. Here, Miley Cyrus stars as Ronnie Miller, a textbook rebellious teenager – complete with big burly boots and equally big scowl – who’s forced to spend the summer with her younger brother (Bobby Coleman) at the beachside home of their divorced father, Steve (Greg Kinnear). Ronnie is none too pleased with arrangement, and makes no secret of the fact that she’d rather be elsewhere. There is a lot of pouting.
Enter strapping local Will Blakelee (Liam Hemsworth), who’s got sun-kissed hair and a killer smile and a thing for volleyball. For reasons unknown to just about everyone (including the audience), Will is almost instantly smitten with Ronnie, who seems annoyed by his interest initially. But it’s not long before the pair are trading quips and stealing glances and, eventually, making out in the surf.
As Ronnie’s relationship with Will blossoms, her guard comes down all-around, allowing her to reconnect with her dad. But, faster than you can say “grab the Kleenex!”, complications of all sorts arise, including a few local troublemakers, Will’s snooty family and a secret Steve’s keeping from just about everybody.
While Cyrus is a likable performer, she’s not yet a strong dramatic actress, and the already-weak material suffers further with her at the helm. She’s fine, but not great, and it’s only in some of the more tender moments with Kinnear – in a surprisingly moving and effective turn – that there are glimmers of authenticity to her performance. Hemsworth provides the requisite eye candy for Cyrus’ young fans, and little Bobby Coleman has some really heartbreaking moments, but Kelly Preston is entirely pointless as Ronnie’s mom, whose presence bookends the film.
There aren’t really any surprises anywhere to be found in The Last Song, and it moves along in a predicable, A-to-B way that never deviates from the Sparks mould. But, face it, no one is going to go see this movie expecting an Oscar-worthy masterpiece. It’s targeted directly at teenaged (and tweenaged) girls under 16, many of whom are simply looking for a swoon-worthy romance about a misfit girl who falls in love with the dreamy boy against all odds. And, to that extent, it delivers in spades and will no doubt attract a strong, if young, following.
