Wholesome Hannah a Winner

Big-screen version of Disney Channel hit canters over familiar ground

(NEWSER) - Hannah Montana: The Movie slickly translates the Disney Channel tween smash onto the big screen, say critics, but those who aren't already fans can safely sit this one out.

• Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times: The movie "is an excuse for some generically catchy songs and a showcase for Miley Cyrus' charmingly chipmunk-cheeked smile; and on that level, it works well enough."

Selena Gomez stars in adaptation of Beverly Cleary classics

(NEWSER) - Ramona and Beezus plays fast and loose with its source material, the classic children's books by Beverly Cleary, but the family movie—Disney tween favorite Selena Gomez's film debut—generally has the critics on its side.

• Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer : "The overall tone of the film is sunny, with Ramona and Beezus resiliently turning life's lemons into lemonade." The flick also "boasts a daddy/daughter plotline that is very touching."

Singer, tween sensation wants to move on to 'something edgier'

(NEWSER) - The tattoo was only the beginning: Miley Cyrus is ready to shed her pop ways and do "something edgier." The 17-year-old told a British TV show the pop album she's currently working on is "my last for a little while." Up next? A break, during which she'll explore other styles and hopefully change her bubblegum sound. "In a few years, as I grow up, so will my fans," says Cyrus. "I'll be able to have more of the sound of music that I'm into." More»

Critics say frisky Disney animation is its best effort in years

(NEWSER) - Disney's latest animated movie may not win prizes for originality, but Bolt is barking up the right tree for family entertainment, say critics. John Travolta voices with "terrific tenderness" the super-powered pooch who's unaware that his life has been a canine Truman Show, writes Michael Rechtshaffen in the Hollywood Reporter. Miley Cyrus is equally effective as his owner. More»

Tween star's 3-D concert success may bring similar ventures

(NEWSER) - Film execs looking to inject life into the dormant sphere of alternative content—showing concerts, sporting events, etc., in theaters—are turning their eyes toward teen star Miley Cyrus and her cash-cow alter ego, Hannah Montana. Cyrus dominated conversation today at an industry conference because her enormously popular 3-D concert film proved that the concept can work in the US, Variety reports. More»