Falls short.

Rating: 4/10 (12 August 2010)

This movie starts as a teen romance/drama, but then, out of nowhere, we are introduced to Ronnie's (Miley Cyrus) father serious condition and how this, plus her romance and the 'simple life' as a whole, affects her and her rebellious (kinda of) attitude.
The movie would've been fine if we were introduced to Greg Kinnear's character a tad earlier. I mean, he shows up during one or two scenes, basically as a comic relief, and then, all of a sudden, we are supposed to have this big connection with his character and really care for what is going to happen to him. I cared more about what the effect of his disease would take on his children than to the character itself. It was kinda frustrating. Everyone in the movie seemed emotional and all that, but I just wasn't feeling it. I didn't know who he was, so, whatever.
The acting is fine. Miley Cyrus is okay, I guess... I have a big problem separating the character from the personality herself, I'll admit. But after a while I just went along with it. The guy playing the boyfriend though, is kinda lame. They should've cast someone with more range, since he was supposed to have loads of personal issues regarding his family. This guy seemed too confident and out of character, even when he was not supposed to.
Too many morals in one film for my taste. But, if done better, I wouldn't mind them that much. But it was too obvious and forced upon the viewer. It was a little annoying.
It's an okay movie. Nice to see if you have nothing else better to do. And I did like the final song, I'll give you that much.
For me, 4.5 out of Ten. But since I can't give a 4.5, I'll throw a Four.