Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert

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Reviewed: 01/31/2008
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"It's like being behind a jet when it takes off. No, worse," says a fatigued sound man during a break from the energetically loud concert performances of Miley Cyrus in her new concert tour movie, "Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Worlds Concert," shot in Disney Digital 3-D (glasses provided).

The 15-year-old star of the 69-city concert movie is also the star of pop phenom, the "Hannah Montana" TV show, and double platinum-selling records. The concerts have been selling out nationwide for months.

"She's pretty. She's smart. She's a good role model for children. She has a wonderful voice." So say a chorus of fans at various stops on the tour.

The decibel count may be jacked up to jet-propulsion levels, but audiences attending the concerts presented by Miley and the Jonas brothers in this film are oblivious to anything but having a good time.

We see a few off-stage moments featuring Miley and her father, country music artist-actor Billy Ray Cyrus. Miley reportedly has changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus in honor of her dad. Scenes also feature her mother, Tish Cyrus, who now travels with her daughter helping her with costume changes, and Kenny Ortega, who conceived and produced the tour.

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But mostly, we see darkened concert halls with most of the light coming from wands and cell phones being waved as Miley warbles 18 songs, all to wild enthusiasm and what appears to be nonstop screaming.

Miley prances out to the edge of the stage and tells her loving audiences that the only house rule is to never sit down or stop waving in the dark.

The audiences obey.

Is the music any good? Besides being loud, it's bouncy, infectiously upbeat, and when Miley's strong and true voice can actually be heard over the immense amplification and screaming, it's impressive.

She does perform an almost totally audible song, "I Miss You," written in memory of her late grandfather, while playing the acoustic guitar. One wonders why Miley doesn't sing more songs without overkill amplification, but obviously, she's playing to her audience.

Interspersed with the performance footage are several funny bits, including fathers racing in high heel shoes to a finish line to qualify for four tickets and backstage passes for a concert. We also see several dozen children telling the camera why they are Miley fans and we see Miley handling herself with aplomb and good humor backstage and while preparing to ascend the stage.

The only middling off-key moment is when she is dropped, albeit a short distance, in a dance number. Miley asks that the toss be eliminated. Ortega goes to work persuading her to keep the dramatic move. "Mom!" Miley pleads with her mother for support.

In the end, Miley does the tricky maneuver and is caught safely, but one realizes that besides being pleasant and talented she knows it's a good idea to stand up for herself.

Now that is a good role model.

"Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert" is rated G. Running time: 75 minutes.

Rating: Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert
Rated G
Cast of Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert
Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Kenny Ortega, Billy Ray Cyrus
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