Only Kinnear is good and he makes it funny and dramatic

Rating: 6/10 (22 September 2010)

I was wary but still optimistic about "The Last Song" and Miley Cyrus's foray into drama. But, oh, I was disappointed. She needs to stick to "Hannah Montana" and similar romantic comedies. The film's opening with Cyrus as the misunderstood, rebellious teenage daughter was just painful to watch.
Not being familiar with the book, I wasn't expecting this film to be as dramatic as it was. There was more than just Cyrus and her summer love storyline. Her interactions with her father (Greg Kinnear) were funny, heartwarming, touching, mature, and sincere. That is mostly credit to Kinnear's natural ability. He's genuinely funny and honestly dramatic. His character always comes across exactly as he's supposed to. Perhaps Greg Kinnear is the next great actor of his generation? I'll certainly be watching more to find out.
The movie on the whole, was all rather safe and inconsequential. The development of Cyrus's character was very obvious and expected; the ups and downs in her summer love relationship were rather pathetic; and although her relationship with her father deepened quicker than it was supposed to, that at least was enjoyable and kept me watching the film. Kinnear fans are not the target audience for "The Last Song" but his talent makes this film watchable.