Miley Cyrus stars as the title character Hannah Montana on the hit Disney Channel's TV sitcom. She plays a pop singing sensation who has to hide her identity from the public whenever she's not performing in order to be able to live like a normal teenager. This film version of the hit series is likely to satisfy Miley's legions of loyal fans, since it is essentially a faithful amplification of the show's recurring theme into an extended drama also devoted to the introduction of about a dozen new songs.
At the point of departure we find poor Hannah burned out from touring and shooting music videos. Then, when her face ends up splashed across the tabloids after a catfight in a department store with Tyra Banks over a pair of shoes, it's obvious to her widowed dad, Robby (Billy Ray Cyrus), that his frazzled daughter needs a break from the limelight. So, they retreat to the comfort of their cozy country hometown of Crowley Comers, Tennessee where most of the locals have no idea about Miley's alter ego.
As soon as they're back on the farm, she let's her hair down, literally and figuratively, for all she has to do is remove her blonde wig and nobody notices her resemblance to any world famous superstar. The vacation frees them both to pursue romantic interests, with Miley feeling pangs of puppy love for her childhood pal, Travis (Lucas Till), while her father has his head turned by the flirtatious Lorelei (Melora Hardin).
The plot thickens when ruthless real estate developers announce plans to ruin the rustic region by defoliating a meadow to erect a mammoth shopping mall. Miley wants to help, but the question is how can she stage a big benefit concert without letting anybody know she happens to be Hannah?
Luckily, her best friend Lilly (Emily Osment) is willing to impersonate her, at least until the cat comes out of the bag. In the end, all the loose ends are tied together quite satisfactorily as Hannah sings and saves the day.
A tweener-mesmerizing mix of music-induced mass hysteria coupled with some homespun cordiality courtesy of a colorful collection of harmless hicks.
Very Good (3 stars)
Rated G
Running time: 102 minutes
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
2-Disc DVD Extras: Bloopers, deleted scenes, digital copy of the film, director's audio commentary, music video, a "Behind-the-Scenes" featurette and more.
