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Miley Cyrus’s racy new image and break from her Disney counterpart, Hannah Montana, has had her in the news a lot lately. Now the star’s sexy new look may be more trouble than it’s worth. Perez Hilton tweeted a photo of the star supposedly panty-less. He took the picture down later in the day after mayhem ensued from outraged fans and critics, some saying Hilton should be charged with child pornography since Cyrus is only 17. He claimed that the starlet really did have underwear on and the picture had been photoshopped.

After it seemed the initial controversy surrounding the photo had somewhat died down, Hilton stirred it up again. This time with a photo of Cyrus in a barely-there leotard which exposed her nether regions. Some couldn’t believe Hilton was at it again. But at this point we have to wonder: is this the Hollywood media being too intrusive or should Cyrus tone it down a bit?

Although a lot of celebs have beef with Hilton over his sometimes rude comments, they have to realize that we live in a media-frenzied world. In the case of the first photo, I’d side with Cyrus. Nobody needs to be snapping photos of her panties while she gets out of a car. With the second photo, however, I side with Hilton. If it wasn’t him posting pictures and comments on his blog about Cyrus, there would be someone else. Other bloggers and news sources had their own pictures of Cyrus from the Much Music Awards in Toronto when her tiny leotard slipped. This was a public appearance where media was present. It wasn’t exactly an intrusion of her privacy.

Now, I remember being 17 like Cyrus. You want to be treated as an adult, and you are in a phase where you are taking on more responsibility. I was in my senior year of high school, getting ready to graduate and go on to college. So, I totally get that part. But I wasn’t running around in sky-high heels and revealing clothes. There are the same excuses — it’s different in Hollywood and show business, she’s being artistic and expressive, and so on. All I can say is if Cyrus wants to be treated like more of an adult then she needs to take responsibility for the decisions she makes. She is successful enough now that if she really didn’t want to wear hoochie clothes and dance on poles, she doesn’t have to.

One blogger made an interesting comparison between Cyrus and her friend, Taylor Swift. Both girls are very successful and close in age. But Swift doesn’t need to run around in flesh-baring outfits and is still considered an artist (she writes her own music). If she can choose how she wants to appear, why can’t Cyrus? It’s too soon to see how this new image will affect her career but, for now, I think maybe Cyrus should tame her new wild ways and leave the controversy to someone else.

Ashley Thill, hannah montana, miley cyrus, Much Music Awards, Perez Hilton, taylor swift Hide

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

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