Three out of
Five stars
Running time:
75 mins
Lively, pop-tastic concert movie aimed squarely at the tweeny market, though the 3D gimmick succeeds in making you feel part of the crowd.
What's it all about?
Hannah Montana is the rock star alter-ego of Miley Stewart, both of whom are fictional characters played by 15-year-old Miley Cyrus (daughter of country star Billy Ray Cyrus) on the phenomenally successful Disney TV show. Produced and conceived by Kenny Ortega (also the brains behind High School Musical), the Best of Both Worlds concert unites both the character and the actress on stage.
Cyrus performs the first half as Hannah Montana and then reappears in a different wig and a change of clothes to perform as herself, though there doesn't seem to be much difference between them. There are also backstage glimpses of Cyrus rehearsing, doing a quick-change and discussing her songs, as well as some brief interviews with fans and an amusing sequence in which doting fathers enter a running competition in high heels in order to win tickets to the sold-out concert.
The Good
The concert itself is extremely lively with lots of running, jumping and deafening screaming from the audience, as well as pyrotechnics and video screens. Cyrus is a charming stage presence, though it's a shame they don't make a bit more of the personality split.
The Great
The 3D effects are extremely good – the stage extends right into the audience and it often feels as if Cyrus is reaching out to you. There are also other little gimmicks, such as a guitarist throwing a plectrum at you or a drummer hurling a drumstick into the air, but you can't help but feel that they missed a trick by not having her do a bit of stage-diving.
Worth seeing?
Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert was a massive success in the States and it's bound to be an equally big hit with Cyrus’ UK fans. There's very little here for the over-14s but 3D is always fascinating and at least it's a relatively painless 75 minutes if you're dragged to see it.
Film Trailer
Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert (3D) (U)