A Substandard Nicholas Sparks Story

Rating: 6/10 (12 July 2017)

Another offering by Nicholas Sparks, "The Last Song" stars Miley Cyrus as a teen girl who, along with her younger brother, is sent to live with her estranged father (played by Greg Kinnear) for the summer. And now, for the clichés: Cyrus has a huge attitude because she hates her father for divorcing her mom; Kinnear is the nice, protective father who is desperate to reconnect with his daughterand he has a secret that will alter the lives of his children forever; the son is a smart-ass who is insightful for his age; Cyrus, despite her anger issues and raggedy looks, will attract the local, young stud (played by Liam Hemsworth); Hemsworth turns out to be more than a pretty face — he is a guy with a heart of gold, and he is looking for "the one"; Cyrus can't stand Hemsworth — or so she pretends — then starts to like himthen hates him again for withholding a secret from her that affects her father (who she used to hate but now kind of likes)then likes Hemsworth again because she forgives him and she really really likes him andwell, you get the idea.
The worst things about "The Last Song" are the numerous clichés mentioned above, Cyrus' lack of serious acting skills, the lack of on screen chemistry between Cyrus/Hemsworth, and the forced, goofball scenes that are supposed to make the audience go ga-ga for these two young lovers. The "meet cute" part isn't cute at all, it is corny as hell and made me cringe that someone could write something so bad for a Hollywood movie. Then there is the actor who plays the young son: his constant, constipation face is both funny and annoying. Add the tears and the snot during the dramatic moments and it's just all too much.
Saving this movie from a much lower grade is Kinnear's very good acting. It's natural, subtle in most cases, and very believable. Hell, he was my favorite character.
My most memorable, movie moment of "The Last Song" is when Kinnear's secret is revealed. Sparks fans won't be shocked as they know how this writer operates.
Sodo I recommend this movie to Sparks fans? Yes, because I know that fans of Nicholas Sparks will want to gobble up anything he writes, even if many say it is a substandard piece of work. Fans will always need to watch for themselves. So, watch "The Last Song," and see for yourself. Everybody else, there are much better rom-com/dramas out there.
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