If you’ve ever seen the Hannah Montana show on Disney, you’re familiar with the song “The Best of Both Worlds”. Well in Hannah Montana the Movie best of both worlds is truly the theme all along. Now, I can admit to you that due to the fact that I have an 11 year old and a 7 year old I am more than familiar with Miss Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana, aka Miley Stewart. I somehow seem to have memorized every episode, every song, who her friends are and all of this completely against my will. Let’s just say that I was under the belief that I’d had an overload of Hannah and was not looking forward to seeing the movie.
There were a few obstacles to my getting in when I showed up to the screening of this film and I was more than happy to give up and just skip this review. What I’m trying to say is that I didn’t think it would be more than some bubble gum, Disney goop with a couple thousand little girls screaming all the words to her songs and giving me a headache, but I was happily surprised and pleased once the movie began.
True Hannah fans should be able to notice that there are some differences to the story as WE know it when we watch the show (I can’t believe I just said that). Most noticeably is Miley’s attitude towards her family back home in Tennessee . In the film, Bobby Ray, Miley’s dad, is not her manager and that position is held by Vita (Vanessa Williams). Let’s just say that Vita’s antics to get Hannah in the public eye are not exactly to Bobby Ray’s liking. They’re more Paris Hilton than Miley Stewart. There are quite a few funny cameos in the film such as a hilarious turn with Tyra Banks in a truly comical fight scene at a boutique over a pair of shoes.
The story takes place with Miley so involved in the Hannah persona that she allows family and friends to fall by the wayside. Dad decides that he needs to teach Miss Smiley Miley a lesson and take her down to Tennessee to spend time reconnecting with her roots. The movie offers up a little bit of a love story, a little bit of “doing the right thing”, and a little bit of good old fashioned family values. You’ll also get a whole lot of good music with Taylor Swift making an appearance and Rascal Flatts as musical family members and of course lots of Hannah Montana. There are quite a few new songs that will let us hear a new sweet soulful sound from Miley and some great songs that remind us that this little lady really can sing. Since Miley’s turn at stardom, I have truly missed Billy Ray Cirus and was reminded during the film that he is not just Miley Cyrus’ dad but also a truly talented country singer in his own right. I must tell you girls out there that there is a truly cute cowboy by the name of Travis Brody (Lucas Till) to crush on as Miley luckily finds out. I fell in love with the small town of Crawley Corners and the scenes of Tennessee are breath taking. I hate to admit it but I nearly shed a tear at one point. This film was truly a breath of fresh country air from a scenic point of view and actually a really enjoyable movie to see. In the end, I must admit that I am glad that CineMarcos made me stay when I was ready to just give up during our little seating fiasco. All in all, mom and dad take the kiddies to see this film and you might just be surprised to find that you will enjoy it yourselves.
Review By Priscilla
