When the series made the jump from the small screen to a feature length film format, it did a couple of things the show has never managed to do: provide a successful change of scenery and make the emotions seem real. Now, I love the series; it’s fun and entertaining, but it is largely slapstick and cheesy jokes. The slapstick in the movie is pretty limited, and the movie is more laced with drama than humor. Being set in Tennessee instead of California helps the mood seem more down to earth and less glitzy as well, definitely a plus.

The film finds Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) in a tough situation. Her Hannah world has taken over her life, and her dad whisks her away to visit her hometown, with the news that he might not let her go back to being a teen pop sensation if she doesn’t turn her attitude around. Miley reconnects with old friends and family, tries to save the small town of Crowley Corners from a development deal, and attempts to find a balance to her double life, all the while trying to outwit a writer for a British tabloid intent on discovering her deepest secret.

Like I said, I love that there was less slapstick and very little of California, but these changes did lead to something that could serve as a complaint from me: there was a serious lack of the regular cast members. Of course, Miley and the Stewart family are front and center. It is, after all, her movie. The introduction of Lilly (Emily Osment) is rushed and choppy at the start of the film until she makes her way to Tennessee, and if you don’t watch the series, chances are, you won’t understand who Oliver and Rico (Mitchel Musso and Moises Arias) even are since they are only in the first few minutes of the picture. I understand that the choppiness of the beginning of the film reflects the fast paced nature of Miley’s life as Hannah in California, but I wish the other characters did not just fall by the wayside.

Setting aside the lack of familiar supporting characters, the movie is good, a lot better than I expected it to be. Everyone’s acting, which can often be very campy on the series, is much better in the film. The music, for the most part, is great. After all, this is the movie that brought us “The Climb.” The resolution to Miley’s problem of being both Hannah and Miley will probably be obvious to a lot of the people watching the movie, but it’s handled really well. Definitely worth the price to rent the movie, if not the price to buy it.

Review by: Melissa

Hannah Montana is not designed for adults. Let's get that out of the way. Some may enjoy the movie but its made for the tween/teen demographic. Considering they spend over 40 billion a year, that's a smart move.

The movie starts in LA where Miley Stewart (Hannah's alter ego) is trying to sneak into her own concert. Miley and Lily (her best friend) find their way backstage just in time to turn Miley into Hannah for the show. But Hannah doesn't seem to want to leave. It's Hannah shopping, Hannah performing, to the point that Miley, as Hannah hurts the people closest to her. This causes her dad to decide enough is enough. Robbie Ray (Billy Ray Cyrus) hauls his family back to Tennessee for two weeks to remind Miley just who she really is. And that maybe Hannah Montana is over. The movie is best when it arrives in Tennessee. Moving the location allows the story to focus on Miley (Hannah disappears most of the time) rather than the many characters from the show. The movie sticks to many wellworn cliches (creepy but clumsy reporter, corporations destroying a small town, and attractive people who have stayed single just for the family who only comes back every few years) but doesn't dip into stereotypical ones. The people of Crowley Corners (Miley's hometown) may be part of a small town but they aren't the Beverly Hillbillies. New and old trucks are driven, not a horsedrawn carriage and no one is missing teeth. Even the town fundraising events draw only a decent crowd. Although I'd love to live in Crowley Corners with the kind of neighbors the Stewarts have. Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and even Bucky Covington (of American Idol fame) pop in to the movie. Upon arriving in Crowley Corners, Miley runs into Travis Brody, an old friend who has grown up since she's seen him. Travis (Lucas Till) is working on her grandmother's farm and happily encourages Miley to return to her roots. Not that Miley has any problem with that when Travis is showing her how.

The movie ends with Miley/Hannah discovering who she wants to be and that you have to be honest with the people you love. In return, she discovers that those same people will always be there for you.

Some of my favorite parts are:
-The Hoedown Throwdown. (Ridiculously catchy song that really isn't hip-hop at all. I admit I worked on the dance moves)
-Lucas Till. The boy is cute and at 19, old enough I'm not in danger of committing a crime by googling him.
-Taylor Swift singing a brand new song "Crazier". Go download it.
-There's a moment when Miley's crying (you'll know it when you see it) that reminded me why this girl pulls in more than just tween fans. Its a touching scene and shows Miley Cyrus's talent as an actress.