It's hard to believe that it haven't been a long time since "Hannah Montana" was a huge phenomenon. While the juggernaut has lost some steam, it's really not many years ago since the franchise was huge and practically everywhere. While Disney has produced many series, none of them were as huge as "Hannah Montana". With the popularity, it wasn't strange that a movie was produced (actually two, if you count the concert movie) and released theatrically.

Why exactly this franchise became such a phenomenon, is somewhat fascinating. There's obviously no wonder to say that it's a cynical and calculated product. But if we're discussing the quality of the TV show itself, it's definitively cheesy and dumb, but still harmless and watchable at times. There's no denial that the show was aimed specifically at a young audience. So where does it leaves the movie?

"Hannah Montana The Movie" shall have praise for at least having (most of the time) a more mature and adult tone than the show. But the movie's obvious flaws makes it's purpose ambiguous. "Hannah Montana The Movie" isn't exactly horrific. That's not the problem of the film. It's cute and definitively watchable at times. But it's shifting tone and it's muddled message makes the film harder to shallow. The film really relies on a clichéd and worn-out plot-line about Miley finding back to herself by traveling back to her hometown after Hannah has taken over her life (a plot line that had already been used in some the show itself). The film really leads up to the point where Miley has to choose between her two worlds, but the ending really backs out and leaves the question really open (and ambiguous).

The tone is really somewhat inconsistent. From having a quite frenetic opening, to a slower second act, the film becomes a sappy melodrama at the third act. Which really the movie didn't needed, since it worked better with a less sappier tone. The slapstick is, surprisingly, not grating, but besides that, "Hannah Montana The Movie" really doesn't rely on humor (not that the series was funny, but at least it didn't relied on slapstick humor). None of the acting is particularly special. The most likable star is Lucas Till as the love interest, who has presence and charisma. The songs are hit and miss as well. A few of them are catchy ("Let's Get Crazy", "Hoedown Throwdown", "Crazier", "Dreams"), but the rest are forgettable.

A problem with the concept really is the portrayal of Miley Stewart herself. She's energetic and bubbly, but at times she can be an unlikeable and selfish brat. This movie is no exception. Of course a character doesn't need to be perfect, but Miley is indeed a flawed ans selfish character that repeats her mistakes. Really, it's somewhat odd that such a character became iconic.

So at the end, "Hannah Montana The Movie" isn't exactly horrific. But with a more focused theme and tone, this movie would have been more acceptable. At the end, for all the flaws of the show has, it's still more harmless.