‘The Last Song’ (2010)
The latest film in Nicholas Sparks “series” of earlier box-office hits, this story is written “backwards.” First the screenplay was written then the novel at the request of the leading lady herself. This is The Last Song.
The Last Song (2010) Film Review
Divorce rips her family apart. Or this is what eighteen-year-old Veronica “Ronnie” Miller’s attitude is. Her grades in school are terrible, and now even with an acceptance to Julliard, the piano prodigy allows no one to break her wall of bitterness. As her mother plans to re-marry, Ronnie (Miley Cyrus) and her little brother, Jonah (Bobby Coleman) go to their dad’s house for the summer. The many letters her father, Steve (Greg Kinnear), has written to Ronnie remain unopened.
Not wanting anything to do with the father she believes walked out on them, Ronnie spends a great deal of time walking the beaches. It’s here that she meets Will (Liam Hemsworth). Will is at once intrigued by Ronnie even when she puts him off. A high school grad about to leave for college, he too is having conflicts with his parents. Through a tremulous start, the two bond, and eventually begin a romance, and then tragedy strikes.
And so the story goes. Seasoned viewers of Nicholas Sparks’ Hollywood adaptation know the gist of how this particular film will go. It’s a kind of rise and repeat cycle of secrets, healing, and lots (and lots!) of angst. Except for Dear John, at this date, there isn’t another Sparks’ adaptation I much care for. All are tragic and all have some form of betrayal and each ends bitterly. Reason I keep watching (and hoping to like them) is that I am a sucker for romance. The Last Song tends to be a very moody picture and with that comes the realization that what we’re watching a flick geared towards fans of the leading lady.
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This is her first post-Hannah Montana role. Compared to her bubblegum (five-year) Disney role, her Ronnie is about as far removed from the role that gained her stardom as one would suppose. Ronnie is all of the things opposite of the sunnier Hannah. Miley plays it a little too “harsh,” but then, her real-life experience as a teenager also does play well for the character.
Considering this is her first “serious” role, she should have the time to grow, but there isn’t a lot of emotion. Because of this, there isn’t as much tug for us to grieve with Ronnie. She and Liam share a decent cutesy chemistry that is more teen crush than the “real love” it’s projected as being. One of the cutest scenes between them is when Kinnear’s character finds Ronnie and Will on the beach; it’s both hilarious and touching. In reality, the film really belongs to the scene stealer Bobby Coleman. Kelly Preston also makes an appearance.
There is some good to admire here. The music sets a surprisingly lovely lyrical tone is a highlight of the film. Even when things become emotionally-charged or an inevitable burst of anger is aimed towards another, the expressive soundtrack and gorgeous beach scenery provide the audience with an alternative, making them almost forget any unpleasantness.
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth co-star in this romantic #NicholasSparks adaptation. ‘The Last Song’ (2010). #Movies #Romance #MileyCyrus #MovieArchives Share on Xfind us on social media: Instagram; Pinterest; and X aka Twitter
CONTENT: There’s some innuendo through the script. Drug use is implied as is teen drinking [one guy tries to hit on Ronnie]. Elsewhere Ronnie storms out of the house disappearing for hours on end never telling her father where she’ll be. Profanity is infrequent but inappropriate for a PG film; bi*ch, da*n, h*ll, and a few crudities, along with a few OMG. A fistfight breaks out; everyone is either shirtless [the guys] or wearing bathing suits for most of the runtime.
Personally, I didn't really like this movie. I read the book beforehand, I kind of thought Miley just made Ronny look like a brat.
Yeah, I wasn't too impressed with the movie {what little I saw of it-about 15 minutes…} :P I was kind of hoping that this one would have a different ending, one that isn't bittersweet. :( Oh well, I guess that's just how Nicholas Sparks rolls ;)
Jessica – I can see where one might not like this movie. Sometimes the characters are annoying. As a character, Ronnie was a brat but I think she did change at the end – and yeah, I am not a big Miley fan. Anyway, I should watch it again – did you think the book was better?
So glad you stopped by, Jessica – it has been a while. =)
Trinka – a lot of people didn't love this one. I am somewhere in the middle. I liked it a lot better than I thought, so it was kind of a pleasant surprise.
Bittersweet endings is definitely something Sparks has down to a science – and yeah, it is kind of annoying. Believe it or not, the end of The Last Song is one of the least saddest.
I hadn't seen it and honestly aren't most romances pretty much the same other than the action ones? :P Anyway I usually prefer to stick to books. Especially since the tragic Percy Jackson :P But I am looking forward to Hunger Games. So Last Song…probably not for me. I mean it looks oka,y but Miley kinda crossed the line with her last album. And I really don't like the fact that a ton of tweens, teens and younger looked up to her. I really didn't like that. Sierra
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I actually dug this one. But you're right about their love feeling more crushish.
Sierra – that is cool! =) There are plenty of films that I refuse to see on principal and even though some people think I should, I haven't yet. =)
Romances… yeah, they do tend to follow patterns, but I love the genre.
I've not heard any of Miley's albums, but that doesn't surprise me – she has crossed the line with more than one of her choices.
Juju – I like this one, too. It was one of those that was a pleasent "surprise," so for that reason, I am going to enjoy the occasional re-watch. =)
I saw this movie, and I wasn't crazy about it. I'm finding it hard to like romantic films, unless they are a lot more wholesome. And for some certain reasons, The Last Song didn't seem exactly wholesome. Also, I'm not a fan of Miley Cyrus. She isn't the best role model for people to look up to. And honestly, the plot of the movie bored me out.
I can totally "get" where a viewer could become annoyed with this one, Jemimah. I don't think, generally speaking audiences liked this one all that well… but since I was expecting it to be mediocre at best and actually found myself enjoying it, it was a movie that surprised me. …You and me both – SO NOT a Miley either, which is really why I didn't expect to like this one.
Sadly, I think it is REALLY rare to come across a wholesome romance – and I know just what you mean in saying that. When I come across a wholesome movie (no matter its genre), it is all the more special. Unfortunately, The Last Song is one of the better romances that could be thought "clean."
So glad you stopped in, girl – it has been a while. =)
ehhh, i had a lot of thoughts on this =P
thanks for commenting on my blogg!! i now follow you (: follow me back??(:
Whether negative or positive, that seems to be the trend on this film, Elisha. Or it is on my little blog. =)
Thanks BUNCHES for following me – I really appreciate it, and I hope you stop by frequently. Off to follow your blog next. =)