13
Apr
Hannah Montana Grows Up By Going Home
by Ashley Pierce
0 Comments | Posted by thatgirl in Amuse Me, Sit Back
It began in 2006 as a hit Disney Channel TV series and then branched out to the big screen in 2008 with Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds Concert. Now the “Hannah Montana” phenomenon is all grown up with a full-length feature film entitled Hannah Montana: The Movie. Just as the franchise continues to grow in success, the film depicts Hannah’s continued climb to stardom as an international pop sensation.
At the film’s start, Hannah seems to be the girl who has everything, but somewhere amidst the hair, make-up and Rodeo Drive shopping sprees, Miley has begun to get lost in the shuffle. In an attempt to help her return to her roots, Miley’s father (Billy Ray Cyrus) tricks her into going home to Tennessee for her grandma’s birthday. This is where the adventure begins, as Miley reconnects with her family, falls in love and rediscovers herself in the countryside of her home town of Crowley Corners. Miley is joined on the big screen by several favorites from the TV show and additional cameos by Tyra Banks, Taylor Swift, and Rascal Flatts.
Hannah Montana: The Movie was definitely not on my must see list, but since it was a slow weekend as far as releases, I thought I would give it a shot for the sake of you, i am that girl readers. I walked into the theater with several preconceived notions about this film, despite the fact that I’ve never even seen an episode of the TV series. I was expecting screaming tweens, blond wigs, and bad pop songs… So when I actually got a touching coming-of-age story, I was pleasantly surprised.
Miley is likeable on-screen and it’s hard not to fall for her charm and youthful energy. There is an innocence about her that is endearing and the film proves to be genuine and heartfelt overall. While the plot seems fairly generic and borders on corny cliché at times, it is perfectly suited for its target demographic of young girls. There is also a wholesome message at the film’s core about finding yourself by returning to your roots and the importance of knowing where you’re from to get to where you’re going.
In the end, it’s all about the journey or “the climb” as they refer to it in the film and as Miley learns, no matter how much commercial or financial success you may achieve, knowing who you are and staying true to yourself is the true definition of success. The film also offers an interesting depiction of fame through the Miley Cyrus/ Hannah Montana dichotomy, delving into how notoriety can change people and the importance of staying grounded. In terms of production value, this big-version is well shot and directed and while the music lacks originality, it’s still catchy and appropriate for the story.
That Girl says: Like it! This is almost embarrassing to admit, but Disney delivers an upbeat and uplifting tale that is sure to make audiences smile. It may be formulaic, but it’s a formula that works and transfers nicely from the small to the big screen. Amidst the clutter at the box office, it’s encouraging to find a film that promotes the importance of a woman knowing herself and Miley seems to be a positive role model that young girls can identify with.
Release Date: April 10th, 2009 (Wide Release)
Running Time: 102 minutes
Rated: G
Company: Walt Disney Pictures
Cast: Miley Cyrus – Hannah Montana / Miley Stewart
Billy Ray Cyrus – Robby Ray Stewart
Emily Osment – Lilly Truscott / Lola Luftnagle
Jason Earles – Jackson Stewart
Mitchel Musso – Oliver Oken / Mike Standley III
Moises Arias – Rico
Lucas Till – Travis Brody
Vanessa Williams – Vita
Margo Martindale – Ruby
Director: Peter Chelsom
Official Site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/hannahmontanamovie/#/home
13
Mar
Should You Be Racing To Theaters for Witch Mountain?
by Ashley Pierce
0 Comments | Posted by thatgirl in Amuse Me, Sit Back
Witch Mountain is back in theaters this weekend, restarting the beloved Disney franchise of the 1970’s that began with Escape to Witch Mountain and continued with the sequel Return to Witch Mountain. This latest installment, Race to Witch Mountain, stars Dwayne Johnson (formerly known as “The Rock”) as Jack Bruno, a Las Vegas cabbie who is thrown into an action-packed race against the clock when two teens with supernatural powers end up in the back of his cab. Bruno and the alien twins, Seth (Alexander Ludwig) and Sara (AnnaSophia Robe), embark on an adventure through the Nevada desert as they attempt to get to Witch Mountain before it’s too late. With the help of brilliant astrophysicist, Dr. Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino), they must solve the secrets of Witch Mountain in order to save humanity.
I definitely remember watching the original films as a child and while this latest version doesn’t possess the magic of the originals, it seems to hold up on its own accord. Perhaps the most action-packed Disney movie that’s ever been made, this film is appealing to both children and adults. The relatively unknown child actors are perfectly cast and Johnson and Gugino have a quirky chemistry that seems to work well on screen. It’s short and quick-paced with action driving a relatively simple story. There’s not much to it in terms of plot, but overall it’s an entertaining ride for parents to embark on with their kids.
That Girl says: Like It! Race to Witch Mountain may not measure up to its predecessors, but it’s a film the whole family can enjoy. It will remind adults of their love for the original films from the ‘70’s and expose a new generation of children to a classic science fiction franchise. It may not be a hit with my demographic, but I can appreciate it as an action-packed adventure for parents and their kids.
Release Date: March 13th, 2009 (Wide Release)
Running Time: 98 minutes
Rated: PG
Company: Walt Disney Pictures
Cast: Dwayne Johnson – Jack Bruno
AnnaSophia Robe – Sara
Alexander Ludwig – Seth
Carla Gugino – Dr. Alex Friedman
Ciarán Hinds – Henry Burke
Garry Marshall – Dr. Donald Harlan
Tom Everett Scott – Matheson
Chris Marquette – Pope
Billy Brown – Carson
Kim Richards – Tina
Ike Eisenmann – Sheriff Antony
Director: Andy Fickman
Official Site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/racetowitchmountain/
24
Oct
HSM3: Save it for the Small Screen, Wildcats!
by Ashley Pierce
0 Comments | Posted by thatgirl in Amuse Me, Sit Back
Disney’s High School Musical makes its leap from the small screen to the big screen this weekend for its third chapter, High School Musical 3: Senior Year. In what is supposedly the final installment in the franchise, the film finds East High’s students in the midst of their senior year, complete with a basketball championship, prom, graduation and, of course, their final high school musical. The Wildcat seniors create an elaborate production that reflects their last four years together as well as their hopes and fears about the future.
Central to the story is the relationship between high school sweethearts, Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) who are torn by the prospect of being separated when they head off to college. Featuring 10 new original songs and countless dance numbers, the HSM ensemble attempts to create some memorable moments before graduation both for themselves and for the audience.
While from a business perspective it’s easy to see why Disney would op for a theatrical release over a television premiere this time around, I actually prefer the HSM phenomenon on the small screen. The songs are high-energy and the choreography impressive, but something about watching this story unfold on the big screen makes it feel too over-the-top. Rather than being sweet and fun, it comes off as corny and over-done. The opening basketball sequence and a later scene that involves dancing in the rain scene were so cliché and ridiculous that I found myself laughing out loud. While Zac Efron charms as usual, his counter-part, Vanessa Hudgens, is lackluster on the big screen as she dances gracelessly and her acting does little to save the film’s trite dialogue. I normally consider myself a fan of musicals and even a fan of this franchise, but this big screen retrofit unfortunately failed to deliver.
That Girl says: Leave It! While this film will undoubtedly be a teeny bopper hit, it doesn’t deliver for a broader audience. The kids may be cute and the music catchy, but the big screen version felt too much like a production to be genuine. Save it for the small screen and rent the DVD.
Release Date: October 24th, 2008 (Wide Release)
Running Time: 100 minutes
Rated: G
Company: Walt Disney Pictures
Cast: Zac Efron – Troy Bolton
Vanessa Anne Hudgens – Gabriella Montez
Ashley Tisdale – Sharpay Evans
Lucas Grabeel – Ryan Evans
Corbin Bleu – Chad Danforth
Monique Coleman – Taylor McKessie
Bart Johnson – Coach Jack Bolton
Director: Kenny Ortega
Official Site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/highschoolmusical3/