CINEMA VIEWPOINT

Synopsis

“The Last Song” follows Ronnie Miller (played by Miley Cyrus). A rebellious teenager sent to spend the summer with her estranged father, Steve Miller (played by Greg Kinnear). Initially resistant to the idea, Ronnie finds solace and healing through her unexpected connection with a local boy named Will Blakelee (played by Liam Hemsworth). As Ronnie and Will’s romance blossoms, they navigate through family secrets, personal challenges, and the power of forgiveness. Against the backdrop of picturesque beaches and Southern charm. Ronnie learns valuable lessons about love, loss, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Greg Kinnear delivers a heartfelt performance as Steve. Adding depth to the father-daughter dynamic and highlighting the themes of redemption and reconciliation woven throughout the film.

The Last Song 

What an appropriate name for this film considering the best part of this film is the last song played during the end credits. “The Last Song” is unfortunately not a good movie. From start to finish, it’s riddled with bad acting from the two leads, Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. Their performances lack depth and fail to engage the audience, leaving much to be desired in terms of emotional connection and authenticity.

Moreover, the film suffers from poor writing and bad dialogue. Which severely hampers viewers’ ability to become invested in the story or the characters’ relationships. The pacing is atrocious, failing to build tension or momentum effectively. Instead of engaging in meaningful character development or advancing the plot. The film relies too heavily on unnecessary montages that add little to no value. These montages detract from the overall narrative flow and contribute to the disjointed feel of the film. 

However, amidst the sea of mediocrity, there are a few bright spots worth mentioning. Greg Kinnear delivers a commendable performance as Steve, Ronnie’s father, injecting the film with much-needed heart and sincerity. His portrayal adds depth to the father-daughter dynamic and elevates the emotional stakes of the story.

Additionally, Bobby Coleman shines as Jonah. Ronnie’s younger brother, showcasing impressive talent for a young actor, especially in the film’s more emotional scenes. His performance adds a layer of authenticity to the family dynamics and provides some of the film’s more genuine moments.

As always for a Nicholas Sparks adaptation, the film’s location is stunning. Providing a picturesque backdrop for the unfolding drama. The coastal setting adds to the film’s charm and offers a sense of escapism for viewers. Ironically I wished I could escape this movie.

And finally, the song played during the end credits, “When I Look at You” by Miley Cyrus, is an absolute throwback banger that serves as a redeeming quality in an otherwise lacklustre film. Its powerful lyrics and emotional resonance leave a lasting impression. Offering a glimpse of the potential that the film could have achieved with stronger writing and performances.

Chemistry, Writing, Dialogue

For a film that hinges on the budding romance between the two leads. And that launched the two leads into a real life romance the chemistry is disappointingly lacking. Apart from a few fleeting moments, such as when they share wordless glances, the connection between Miley Cyrus’s Ronnie and Liam Hemsworth’s Will feels forced and unconvincing. These silent scenes are the highlights of their chemistry. Suggesting that perhaps more emphasis on nonverbal communication could have salvaged their relationship on screen. The writing and dialogue fail to provide depth or authenticity to their interactions, leaving viewers struggling to believe in their connection.

Moreover, the lack of chemistry between Cyrus and Hemsworth underscores the need for better writing and character development. Rather than relying solely on dialogue, the film could have benefited from more silent scenes between the two, allowing their chemistry to develop naturally. Additionally, both actors could have benefited from further acting lessons to enhance their on-screen rapport. Without a solid foundation of chemistry and believable interactions, the central romance falls flat, detracting from the overall impact of the film. Overall, “The Last Song” highlights the importance of effective writing, dialogue, and acting in building a convincing on-screen romance.

This Could Have Been a Father and Son Film

Greg Kinnear and Bobby Coleman emerge as the standout performers in the film. Kinnear’s portrayal of Steve Miller, Ronnie’s father, showcases his versatility as an actor, particularly his comedic timing which adds levity to the film. His ability to seamlessly transition from humorous moments to emotional scenes highlights his depth as a performer.

 Similarly, Bobby Coleman shines as Jonah Miller, Ronnie’s younger brother, delivering a memorable performance that tugs at the heartstrings. Coleman’s comedic abilities bring a sense of charm and innocence to his character, making him a joy to watch on screen. 

Furthermore, both actors excel in the film’s emotional scenes, conveying a range of complex emotions with authenticity and depth. Their performances leave a lasting impact, leaving viewers wishing for more screen time with these compelling characters.

Should You Watch The Last Song

While “The Last Song” has a few redeeming qualities, such as the standout performances of Greg Kinnear and Bobby Coleman, it ultimately falls short of being a worthwhile watch. Despite its picturesque setting and the nostalgic throwback of Miley Cyrus’s “When I Look at You” during the end credits, these elements alone cannot salvage the film. The lack of chemistry between the leads, coupled with poor writing and dialogue, makes it difficult to become invested in the central romance. Even for fans of Nicholas Sparks or romance movies, this film is a disappointment that can be easily skipped without missing much.