If you read the book, be prepared for a lot of disappointment

Rating: 5/10 (1 April 2010)

Before I say anything at all, I should say the reason that I read this book and saw this film. I am 24 years old, and I bought tickets to see Miley Cyrus in November of 2009. During the concert there was a part where she basically plugged this movie, and played 'When I Look At You' and discussed how much making it changed her for the better. I, honestly, had so much fun at this concert and felt like I really saw her in her element -- I became a believer. I wanted to go out and buy this book before seeing the film. I loved that her family was involved every step of the way.
Now, I was very moved by this book. I laughed, I cried, I felt genuine emotion. I, like Ronnie, have shut myself down towards other people -- especially my father. And before it was even a love story to me, it was important to me because of the family aspect. I was tremendously disappointed that the reason for her parents divorce was cut out of the film. To me, it was such a humanization in the book that I couldn't believe it was taken out of the film. But, as all books and movies are -- things are changed.
It's a sweet film, it really is. It's quite abrupt at times -- for a film that was delayed being released it really could have used a little more time in the editing department. I actually found Miley to be believable -- HOWEVER, I also wished that the parts that were taken out were put back in if only just to show how deep she could possibly get with this character.
Another part of the film that's not really explained is Steve (Ronnie's father) and his relationship with the church, his religion itself, and the priest (who is also not mentioned in the film.) Greg Kinnear is a fantastic actor, and I would've enjoyed seeing him explore his character more.
The highlight for me was really Bobby Coleman as Ronnie's brother, Jonah. He, to me, was the most authentic in his role. When the film takes it's dramatic turn at the end, he's the one who got me misty-eyed. He has a great career ahead of him.
Liam Hemsworth is fine, and definitely nice to look at. He has great charm, but he also doesn't have a lot of story to work with. Like my problem with Kinnear's part, I wish they had given him more of his story to work with.
Overall, it's a decent movie. It's pretty generic -- not something I'll probably see over and over again, but not anything I'd ask for my money back on either. It's not life changing or poignant in any way -- and I'd almost hoped it would be.