Hannah Plays It Safe

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."

Teen superstar changes her Destiny

(NEWSER) - Two names is enough for Miley Ray Cyrus, also known as Hannah Montana, E! Online reports. The teen superstar has filed to have her name legally changed from Destiny Hope Cyrus to Miley Ray Cyrus—the name her legions of fans know her by and the name her family has called her since she was a baby. More»

Miley Cyrus' uncommon 'poise and presence' elevate concert film

(NEWSER) - Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds may be a vanilla production, and the songs its tween icon belts out during this big-screen 3D version of her concert are "fizzy" and "forgettable," writes Jan Stewart of Newsday. But those shortcomings are trumped by the fact that, at just 15 years old, pop star Cyrus is "insanely likable and talented, with poise and presence beyond her years," says AP's Christy Lemire. More»

Teen sensation sells out shows nationwide

(NEWSER) - Parents across the nation are wringing their hands as scalpers rub theirs with glee over Hannah Montana, the 14-year-old fictional pop star whose concert tour dates are selling out in minutes. Her popular Disney Channel show rocketed the character to Madonna-level stardom with kids, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer says, which means scalpers are charging thousands for tickets. More»

Cyrus says he's now working on 'mending family' after 'GQ' interview

(NEWSER) - On second thought, maybe it wasn’t a great idea for Billy Ray Cyrus to blab on about how Hannah Montana ruined his family . The country musician tells People his comments in a recent GQ interview were “explosive, and unintentionally so,” and says that right now the most important thing to him is “mending my family. … We are working together to make sure our future is stronger and healthier.” More»