Miley Cyrus in "The Last Song"
So I had my doubts when I picked up Nicholas Sparks's latest novel, "The Last Song", especially after hearing that he had written the lead role specifically for Miley Cyrus (whose only role has been "Hannah Montana", can you understand my hesitation?). However, I've learned to "not judge a book by its cover", so I gave it a chance.
The novel is about 17-year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller who is sent from New York to North Carolina to spend the summer with her estranged father. Although incredibly reluctant at first, Ronnie ends up mending her relationship with her father and simultaneously falling in love with the town's local stud, Will.
Okay, so, forgive me, but Nicholas Sparks epitomizes inumerous cliches in this book. Angsty teen becomes significantly less melancholy, the town "hottie" is athletic, incredibly good-looking, extremely rich - and yet is the most humble being known to mankind, the duo fall in love despite their differences and his mother's disapproval ("The Notebook", anyone?) and a there is a tragic occurence, yet, of course, there is still a fairytale-esque happy ending. Let me also again state that the book is set in Wilmington, North Carolina (what Sparks book isn't?)
Despite the immense predictability, Sparks wrote a very readable book. The book isn't written in numerological chapters, but rather in sections portraying each different character's point of view which gives more depth than being merely a single third person point of view. Sparks managed to branch out by incorporating gang activity, environmental issues, blackmail and shoplifting, however other issues in the book (arson, adultery, disapproval, unlikely pairings and death) all seem to resound to his other works. I can't say that I didn't enjoy reading it, but it has a very juvenile tone to it, which isn't surprising given the audience that Sparks was tailoring it to (Miley Cyrus fans). Sparks did manage to strike a nerve with me towards the end of the book; I tried my best to maintain composure while reading it in my local Barnes & Noble. It contained an issue that struck very close to home and that I could relate to all of the character's thoughts and feelings in those moments; I valued this part of the book, because despite this particular issue occuring in more Sparks books than just this one, it was written in a new light that I could appreciate. I refuse to say the particular issue, I cannot stand spoilers.
Then there's the movie, oh where to begin. Miley Cyrus, I will have my doubts about you from beginning to start, so be forewarned. Ronnie is a complex, mature character and it's going to be difficult to imagine you as her until I see it happen. Thankfully, Cyrus hired a voice coach to rid her of her Southern drawl (what a blessing) and there will undeniably be chemistry since she is dating her costar, Liam Helmsworth (Will) in real life. The only actor I'm genuinely excited about is Greg Kinnear as Steve Miller, Ronnie's father. I loved what he did in "Little Miss Sunshine", and the role of Steve could be Oscar-worthy if portrayed immaculately.
All-in-all, I'd recommend it. Although, I'm most looking forward to Sparks's "Dear John" that hits theatres in February. It hasn't receieved as much hype as "The Last Song", but it does contain one of my girl crushes, Amanda Seyfriend, as the lead character, Savannah. You can bet that I will see that movie opening weekend.
Now I must be off; I have yet to write my speech for tomorrow's presentation (typical, I should give a speech on procrastination). On another note, I bought my first hot Starbucks beverage of the season, which I believe officially signifies Winter and I have a job interview at Abercrombie & Fitch tomorrow (if you haven't watched the Mad TV parodies of A&F, I recommend you do -just don't mock me afterwards). Goodnight all.
The novel is about 17-year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller who is sent from New York to North Carolina to spend the summer with her estranged father. Although incredibly reluctant at first, Ronnie ends up mending her relationship with her father and simultaneously falling in love with the town's local stud, Will.
Okay, so, forgive me, but Nicholas Sparks epitomizes inumerous cliches in this book. Angsty teen becomes significantly less melancholy, the town "hottie" is athletic, incredibly good-looking, extremely rich - and yet is the most humble being known to mankind, the duo fall in love despite their differences and his mother's disapproval ("The Notebook", anyone?) and a there is a tragic occurence, yet, of course, there is still a fairytale-esque happy ending. Let me also again state that the book is set in Wilmington, North Carolina (what Sparks book isn't?)
Despite the immense predictability, Sparks wrote a very readable book. The book isn't written in numerological chapters, but rather in sections portraying each different character's point of view which gives more depth than being merely a single third person point of view. Sparks managed to branch out by incorporating gang activity, environmental issues, blackmail and shoplifting, however other issues in the book (arson, adultery, disapproval, unlikely pairings and death) all seem to resound to his other works. I can't say that I didn't enjoy reading it, but it has a very juvenile tone to it, which isn't surprising given the audience that Sparks was tailoring it to (Miley Cyrus fans). Sparks did manage to strike a nerve with me towards the end of the book; I tried my best to maintain composure while reading it in my local Barnes & Noble. It contained an issue that struck very close to home and that I could relate to all of the character's thoughts and feelings in those moments; I valued this part of the book, because despite this particular issue occuring in more Sparks books than just this one, it was written in a new light that I could appreciate. I refuse to say the particular issue, I cannot stand spoilers.
Then there's the movie, oh where to begin. Miley Cyrus, I will have my doubts about you from beginning to start, so be forewarned. Ronnie is a complex, mature character and it's going to be difficult to imagine you as her until I see it happen. Thankfully, Cyrus hired a voice coach to rid her of her Southern drawl (what a blessing) and there will undeniably be chemistry since she is dating her costar, Liam Helmsworth (Will) in real life. The only actor I'm genuinely excited about is Greg Kinnear as Steve Miller, Ronnie's father. I loved what he did in "Little Miss Sunshine", and the role of Steve could be Oscar-worthy if portrayed immaculately.
All-in-all, I'd recommend it. Although, I'm most looking forward to Sparks's "Dear John" that hits theatres in February. It hasn't receieved as much hype as "The Last Song", but it does contain one of my girl crushes, Amanda Seyfriend, as the lead character, Savannah. You can bet that I will see that movie opening weekend.
Now I must be off; I have yet to write my speech for tomorrow's presentation (typical, I should give a speech on procrastination). On another note, I bought my first hot Starbucks beverage of the season, which I believe officially signifies Winter and I have a job interview at Abercrombie & Fitch tomorrow (if you haven't watched the Mad TV parodies of A&F, I recommend you do -just don't mock me afterwards). Goodnight all.
No comments:
Post a Comment