FILMS

Cyrus keeps it sweet in feature film

Reviewed by Rebecca Bostic | April 16, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

If you still don’t know who Miley Cyrus is, you’re about to find out. This spring she’s starring in her first full-length feature film, “Hannah Montana: The Movie” (Walt Disney Pictures).

Cyrus extends the role of her extremely popular Disney TV show “Hannah Montana.” In it, she plays an adolescent girl named Miley Stewart who lives her life as a normal teenager during the week and occasionally dons a blond wig to perform as superstar Hannah Montana. This film is not much better than the kitschy show.

Cyrus essentially plays herself — a goofy, down-to-earth teenager with a passion for life and a big smile. This is the persona that has made the “Hannah Montana” series so popular and it works well for her in the film too.

Fans of the “Hannah Montana” series, particularly of the younger variety, are sure to love the film. Adults who have not watched the series before will, nonetheless, smile along with the energetic and sweet Cyrus.

But that doesn’t make it a quality film. It merely satisfies all that can be expected from an extended episode of the television series, popular precisely because it is sweet and predictable.

Disappointingly, the film lacks a strong message and really doesn’t have much to say about anything in general.

The film begins by showing a usually levelheaded Miley getting too involved in her Hannah Montana side of life. Worried about her falling too deeply into self-centered rock stardom, Miley’s dad — played by real life father Billy Ray Cyrus — imposes a two-week vacation at their home in Tennessee.

Predictably, Miley grows to like Tennessee and the teenage farmhand on her grandmother’s farm. She attempts to save the day using her Hannah Montana superstar status.

There is not much in terms of plot, character or message. However, the film is sugary sweet the entire way through and Cyrus and her cast of co-stars make just enough goofy faces to keep laughter rolling across a sea of young viewers.

There are a couple of messages that are thrown into the mix of the film, but none are emphasized or particularly captivating. There is the importance of being un-selfish, respectful and staying down-to-earth. And, oh yeah, remember to be yourself.

These positive messages are not emphatic, but are present. More notably, negative messages are generally absent.

If nothing else, it is refreshing to see that between Miley Stewart and Hannah Montana, the more interesting character is the girl who works hard and is kind and self-confident. While certainly not an ideal role model, Miley provides a mostly positive image of a strong young woman learning how to navigate the modern world.

The strongest message comes from Billy Ray Cyrus’ character, a strict father who knows best when it comes to the well-being of his daughter. He forces Miley to stay levelheaded and not get lost in the glamour of her Hannah Montana persona.

His daughter isn’t initially interested in this lesson. Nonetheless, by the end of the film, his decision is not only effective, but also pivotal in his daughter’s development.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church stresses the importance of forming one’s conscience. For parents, this is a crucial job that is not easily accomplished.

“The education of the conscience is a lifelong task. From the earliest years, it awakens the child to the knowledge and practice of the interior law recognized by the conscience” (1784).

Miley’s father exercises his duty by pulling his daughter out of the limelight and back into reality, albeit while she is kicking and screaming. By the end of the film it is obvious to everyone, including Miley, that he made the right and responsible decision.

Simple and sweet, “Hannah Montana: The Movie” will be enjoyed by masses of young fans and tolerated by the parents. The film is fluffy, but it does a decent job portraying a strong young woman who responds positively to her father’s heartfelt parenting.

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Media critic Rebecca Bostic is a regular contributor to The Catholic Sun. Comments are welcome. Send e-mail to letters@catholicsun.org.