As an adult sitting through the 3-D Hannah Montana concert film, one can’t help but be overwhelmed — but not by the piercing screech of thousands of frantic 9-year- olds, the crisp digital imagery or the catchiness of the Disney star’s peppy tunes.
Rather, the sensation is one of longing: You wish desperately for Miley Cyrus — the singing, dancing, songwriting, trendsetting dynamo — to avoid turning into Britney Spears.
** 1/2 RATING | Concert Film
She’s insanely likable and talented, with poise and presence beyond her years. It’s all out there in front of her, and watching the 15-year-old on stage and behind the scenes, you just pray that she’ll turn out all right and not get swept away by the insanity of pop- star celebrity.
Of course, the tween girls for whom “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert” was intended won’t be thinking about this. They’ll just be giddy to feel so close to their idol, especially because many of them probably never had a chance to see her live on tour, with tickets selling out in minutes and scalpers jacking up the prices.
With the three-dimensional effects, it feels as if Cyrus is walking right up to you on the catwalk, her perky entourage of backup dancers in tow. One trick — in which she bounces a drumstick on the floor and sends it flying toward the camera — might just make you flinch.
Little girls will be happy to hear the “Hannah Montana” star perform their favorite songs and thrill to catch a peek of the real Miley backstage — though naturally, the moments are carefully chosen to maintain her well-crafted wholesome image. It’s just more product, and not exactly a warts-and-all depiction.
But certainly the show is the thing, and Cyrus — both as herself and as her blond- tressed, television alter ego — runs through all those songs that have been stuck in your head for months, since your kids probably play them nonstop. They include “We Got the Party,” “Nobody’s Perfect” and of course, “The Best of Both Worlds.”
Once the movie stops, though, it’s obvious why Cyrus has become such a phenomenon. She’s pretty and stylish but never a mean girl, energetic and popular but not conceited.
She makes it easy to imagine what it would be like to be friends with her.
“Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert”
G 1 hour, 14 minutes. Documentary of the pop star’s 54-city tour. Directed by Bruce Hendricks. Featuring the Jonas Brothers, Kenny Ortega and Billy Ray Cyrus. Opens today at area theaters.
