With all the negative ink spilling out in dailies around the Nation, I wasn't inclined to take the risk of plunking down top dollar for a ticket to a screening of "The Last Song".
So, I took in a matinee at AMC for a paltry six bucks.
When I strolled into the theatre with my kiddie's pack in hand, I wasn't surprised to find myself surrounded by a gaggle of giggling girls who were obviously die-hard Miley Cyrus fans.
As soon as the flick sprang to life on the silver screen, it was evident from the get-go that I was going to be thrust into an over-the-top production, where the emphasis was more on sensual song than solid story line.
For example, in the opening scene a posse of firemen carry an injured man out of harm's way, as a church burns furiously in the background.
Unfortunately, the music laid in under the dramatic images, was just short of pop puff.
Talk about jarring subliminal messages!
In a nutshell, "The Last Song" is a high-strung emotional tale, about a teen who is shipped off for the summer to bond with her Dad (who is separated from her doting mother) with young brother in tow.
Shortly after the specifics of the conflicts within the family circle have been served up on a tinny platter, "Ronnie" (played by Cyrus) gets swept up in a summer romance that appears to be more trouble than its worth.
To critics, the scenario was particularly difficult to swallow, for starters.
One film reviewer noted that the malelead's fascination with Ronnie didn't hold much water.
"The object of his affection is supposed to be so special that he pursues her ardently non-stop. But, because Cyrus's character is not that enticing to begin with , the idea totally suspends belief," he noted in so many words.
While I agree with the critic in respect to the character's overall lack of appeal, on the other hand, there was a justifiable reason for the young stud to pursue her.
For example, it was established in the plotline, that he was intrigued by "Ronnie" because he had grown tired (and disappointed) with the local girls who were shallow and stuck up.
Ms. Cyrus's performance is a little ragged at times - so much so - that after the screening even she was inclined to admit to one media hound that acting lessons would be a good idea.
Her screen image flip-flopped so much (pretty and glowing in one scene, down 'n out and slutty the next) that I started to ponder whether it was the lighting that was the culprit.
Just maybe, a handful of the shots were "picked up" later, when there was a bold-faced effort to salvage the project after test results were initially negative?
But, don't write Miley off, because there is a lot of raw talent and potential just waiting to bubble up, given the right material and a director at the helm who knows how to draw it out.
As to the scripted material?
Once I was clued in to the fact the screenplay was conjured up by Notebook writer - Nicholas Sparks - I pretty much fathomed that "The Last Song" was bound to be a tear-jerker of epic proportions.
Sparks did not disappoint in that regard.
There were so many cliches and stale old ideas to wade through, too.
In sum, "The Last Song" is a Hollywood-style Disney pic, with a predictable boy gets girl ending.
Greg Kinnear turned in a stand-out performance that may rustle up award nominations later in the year.
As to the lead actor, Liam Helmsworth, I'd say he's got a shot at Hollywood stardom if he relaxes into his roles and picks more meaty material better suited to flex his "acting" muscles.
After all, pretty-boy hunks are a dime-a-dozen in Hollywood, with a dubious future.
Even if they are sleeping with a star with some clout in the industry.
Big Bucks Beefcake!
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