The Last Song Review

The Last Song

Director: Julie Anne Robertson
Cast: Miley Cyrus, Greg Kinnear, Kelly Preston, Liam Hemsworth
Genre: Romance, Drama
Rated: PG
Running Time: 107 Minutes
Release Date: 1st of April 2010

Synopsis: Based on best-selling novelist Nicholas Sparks' ('A Walk to Remember,' 'The Notebook') latest novel, The Last Song is set in a small Southern beach town where an estranged father (Greg Kinnear) gets a chance to spend the summer with his reluctant teenage daughter (Miley Cyrus), who'd rather be home in New York.

He tries to reconnect with her through the only thing they have in common-music-in a story of family, friendship, secrets and salvation, along with first loves and second chances. The film is directed by Julie Anne Robinson from a screenplay by Sparks & Jeff Van Wie.

Verdict: The Last Song is a heart-warming romantic drama that explores life, family, love and growing up.

The movie tells the story of seventeen-year-old Veronica (Ronnie) Miller (MILEY CYRUS), a rebellious teenager who believes her Mum is out to ruin her summer when she is sent to stay with her Dad, in a sunny beachside town. Ronnie is angry with her father, blaming him for her parents divorce.

When Ronnie first arrives for the summer her vital aim is to not 'fit in' or make friends; that is until handsome and shirtless Will Blakeless (LIAM HEMSWORTH) spills strawberry milkshake all over her. The couple continue to meet again, and again throughout town until Ronnie agrees to go on a date with charming Will.

Ronnie and Will fall in love, the real-life couple share intense onscreen chemistry that leaves you with that warm fuzzy and a thoughts of your own teenage romance. Ultimately Ronnie's love for Will helps her reconnect with her father and her love of playing the piano.

Honestly, my favourite scene is when Will places seashells around Ronnie's body on the sand. The Last Song does expose some cheesy love scenes, such as those in the aquarium tank or of mud fights, you will find yourself either smiling or crying hysterically throughout this Nicolas Sparks story.

Of course, in true Nicolas Sparks's style the movie is a tearjerker and there is a 'secret' that Will hides from Ronnie that shatters their relationship and as a result Will is pushed from Ronnie's life. Surprisingly though there is no make-out-in-the-rain scene, nonetheless readers of Nicolas Sparks will enjoy this movie adaptation.

Don't expect to see Miley Cyrus as her typical singing diva; she is an actress in this movie, a very good one at that!

The movie explores the relationship between a parent and their child, an artist and their music and shows that you may never forget your first true love. The Last Song has the ability to connect with all audiences; a great girl's night out or mother and daughter film.

Rating: ****

Brooke Hunter


Liam Hemsworth The Last Song Interview - www.girl.com.au/liam-hemsworth-the-last-song-interview.htm
The Last Song Review - www.girl.com.au/the-last-song-review.htm
Win Tickets to The Last Song - www.girl.com.au/competition-the-last-song-movie-tickets.htm