April 6th, 2010 @ admin
After seeing The Last Song filmed on Tybee Island during the summer of 2009 I felt compelled to write down my thoughts on not only the movie itself, but how Tybee is portrayed on the big screen. I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of the movie the day before the release date of March 31st.
My initial take away was that Tybee Island was truly the star of the film. Although Tybee was not mentioned outright there were still enough references to Georgia that one could make the association that the setting was on the Georgia Coast. The shots of the volleyball tournament and carnival were wonderful and exciting with our legendary Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion serving as the backdrop. The church has a lot of meaning and is shown frequently throughout the film. I’m glad that the church is staying on the island and will provide not only a memento for Tybee to have from the movie, but also serve as a new venue for weddings and special events here on island.
On the day of the movie release Tybee locals came out in all their glory for the “Flip Flop” Last Song Red Carpet Premiere Party. The brainchild of Susan Kelleher of Seaside Sisters, it was truly a don’t miss event. Locals donned their best beach formal wear i.e. tuxedo jackets, Bermuda shorts and of course flip flops for this one of a kind event! With 500 tickets sold it probably goes down in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most Tybee Island locals leaving the island at one time. Proceeds went to the Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project which was very appropriate as the Tybee turtles are a big part of the movie. The Cyrus’ even donated a $1500 check to go to the Sea Turtle project which was presented at the event.
After the party attendees boarded trolleys, limos and buses to head to the theater for the showing of The Last Song. I don’t know if it was the pure energy of all the locals being there in the theater or if the movie was just better, but I enjoyed the film much more the second go round. I thought the subject matter and relationship development was very age appropriate. Although it doesn’t necessarily deliver enough complexity to intrigue adults teenage girls who have followed Miley through the Hannah Montana series will enjoy seeing her in the first semi grown up role she’s played. Liam Hemsworth is a hottie and I’m sure has the young ladies swooning!
The other star of the film, aside from Tybee Island, is young Bobby Coleman who plays Jonah also known as Ronnie’s (Cyrus’) little brother. He has some fantastic lines and turned on the waterworks when the situation called for it. He has a bright future ahead of him and should be commended for his work. The main story line focuses on Ronnie’s estranged relationship with her father and how their mutual love of music brings them back together. It feels like the movie zips through this too fast. However it did bring back those feelings I once felt as a teenage girl when talking to or being around my dad felt embarrassing and awkward. Certainly didn’t make me miss those hormones and bad attitude which all teenagers seem to go through at this time in their lives.
I could appreciate the incredible ariel shots of Tybee and it was enjoyable to be able to pick out landmarks that I recognized on the island. Many in the audience could be heard shouting “There’s my house!” or “Oh, there’s the pier!” and so on. The crowning jewel in my opinion was the shots of the beach house in the movie which is located on what Tybee locals refer to as the inlet. This is where the Back River on Tybee meets the ocean. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the island and often a side that first time visitors don’t take the time to visit. If you’re planning or thinking of coming to Tybee take some time to research the different beaches here and decide which one best suits you and or your family’s needs.
In conclusion, if you haven’t yet seen The Last Song it’s definitely worth taking the time to head to theaters for a showing if for nothing else than to see beautiful Tybee Island in the movies!
