The Last Song

Warning: This post may be a sign of the apocalypse. I went to see a movie with Miley Cyrus in it this weekend, and I didn't hate it. Proceed with caution.

I joined a friend on a whim Saturday to see The Last Song, based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks (which I haven't read BTW). I hadn't planned on seeing the movie in theaters for a couple of reasons: 1) it's based on a Sparks novel, and something emotionally draining and/or devastating always happens in his stories and 2) it stars Miley Cyrus, and I was sure she'd annoy the living daylights out of me. A few random observations...

I have to own to being quite surprised that I enjoyed the movie from start to finish. It's not going to set the world on fire by any stretch of the imagination, or go on any "best-of" lists (probably...I mean I'm sure it will be on someone's list *wink*). However, all things considered I really did enjoy it in spite of the requisite emotionally devastating storyline aspect and Cyrus's "acting." And you know, I'll be honest and own that Cyrus really wasn't that bad, she delivered what the role of Ronnie required of her (being a moody teenager with daddy issues) so it worked for me.

One of the highlights of the movie was the relationship between Ronnie's little brother Jonah (played by Bobby Coleman) and their father, Steve (played by Greg Kinnear). I generally just like Kinnear anyway, but put the two of them together as father & son and they made quite the hilarious pair. I loved the scenes where they observed the developing relationship between Ronnie and Will (Liam Hemsworth). Speaking of Will, Hemsworth is a doll, an absolute doll. And the first kiss he shares with Ronnie is fantastic. It definitely gets (at the very least) an honorable mention on my Favorite Screen Kisses list. Speaking of the FSK list, I really should update it for this blog sometime...I mean after all, I haven't revisited the topic since 2007. I've watched a lot of movies since then, just sayin'... :) If you have any suggestions for what should make the list, throw 'em out in the comments...

I am a total Daddy's Girl, so Ronnie's relationship with her father - particularly the point they reach by the end of the movie - pushed all the right buttons and really got to me. I actually thought Cyrus handled her character's maturation pretty well. So yeah, to finish things up, The Last Song was a surprisingly enjoyable flick. Loved the scenery, and I really enjoyed the music (you can check out the songs here, everything from OneRepublic to Edwin McCain). Not a bad way to spend an afternoon in my book... :)

Upcoming Movies...

(The sappy romantic edition.)

Don't know how many of these I'll get to see in theaters, but I'll definitely be viewing them at some point. First up is Leap Year, starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode. I heart Matthew...and this may be his ticket to bigger & better roles. He's appeared in Marple, My Family and Other Animals, and was the only interesting thing in the abysmal Brideshead Revisited.



Coming later this month is When In Rome, which really reminds me just a bit of Three Coins In the Fountain (only with a magical twist).



Next up is Letters to Juliet. I have to admit this trailer...was it the trailer or Vanessa Redgrave's fabulousness?...actually made me tear up. This movie also has the added draw of starring Christopher Egan, who played David in the all too short-lived TV show Kings (moment of silence for a truly great show...okay, thanks).



And lastly, Dear John, based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, comes out in April or May. I'm not a huge Sparks fan, but every once in a while he comes out with something that really gets me, like the whole soldier angle here. Doesn't hurt that in the movie Channing Tatum plays the soldier. :) It's not like he's a great actor or anything, but oh. my. WORD!! Have you seen Step Up?! ;-)