Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009)

Artwork for Theatrical Release

Once you shed all pretension, it's actually a lot of fun to watch, and ultimately no different in approach or execution than most other Hollywood films, and a lot better than the majority of non-Pixar Disney films recently.

Miley Cyrus has really good comedic timing, and her physical comedy comes natural to boot, which is a fresh breath compared to the script.  You don't have to look farther than early in the first act of the film to enjoy the best of both of these, in the form of a duke-fest between Miley and Tyra Banks that stretches a second or two farther than it should have, but is still very fun to watch.

The changing wigs to change alter-egos and fool everyone is bit and as enthralling and believable here as Clark Kent's glasses, but a lot cuter.  Then again though, when you watch this film you have to suspend disbelief et al, even if that clause is pushed to the extreme in the switcharoo climax scene.  One that never worked in The Flinstones, The Simpsons, or any other sitcom in American TV history.  Yet here, with an emotional surprise ending, it fits and works just fine.

Now listen, roll your eyes all you want, but it truly is an enjoyable film, with a heavy dose of pop music, which I love, but if you don't you might have to approach carefully. For those that like pop, the final song, is pretty sweet and very hopeful, even if frilly.

Having said that, I did have a hard time categorizing this film.  I have it down as drama, but the truth is that, by design and default, there is a heavy handedness of musical interludes in the film, most of which are appropriate and enjoyable.

The camera work and cinematography is spotless even if elementary in execution and purposefulness, and that's not a bad thing, really.  A film of this nature would be unbearable with any different approach, and that's just fine with me.

Margo Martindale, playing Miley's grandmother and the family matriarch, is phenomenal and a welcomed unexpected surprise.  Although in typical oxymoronic fashion, I was equally enthused when Taylor Swift showed up for a musical cameo.

Yay!

This film, is about as much frivolous fun as a Billy Ray Cyrus song...without the guilt trip or the mullet...or the creepy chin hair, and surprisingly touching and deep, specially in the father/daughter dynamic.


I bought this film from someone who had forgotten to return it to one of those DVDs by mail movie clubs, and was surprised by the fact that I loved it.  I've watched it about a half dozen times since, and I like it more than my four year-old daughter ever has.

Artwork for Theatrical Release

So don't be fooled into thinking you're buying it for a toddler, although I think a preteen or early teen might get a good kick out of it in the same way that my generation got a kick out of the Little Giants (1994).

If you don't have a soft spot for pop or frivolity, than catch this film on Netflix or Hulu or OnDemand (if available, I haven't checked).

If you hate pop, then skip this film, and may god help you, you grumpy old toad.



addendum:

Here is a link to a great 20 minute interview with Margo Martindale on NPR...go listen (click here)