Monday, August 25, 2008

Hannah Montana: Life's What You Make it Teaches Imortant Lessons

By Steve Collins


You can tell when you have made it to the top when you receive a reference on The Simpsons. Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana, broke that popularity pinnacle in December, 2007 when Bart had to write on the blackboard "The capital of Montana is not Hannah." In the same month, Wheel of Fortune featured the celebrity in one of its puzzles.

A remarkable list of movies and television shows aimed at audiences of varying ages and interests have paid homage to the ubiquitous character. The madly popular Disney show is seen in countries all over the world, in Asia, Australia, South America, Africa, and Europe as well as its native United States.

The lead character is Miley Cyrus, daughter of country star Billy Ray Cyrus, who also stars in the show. Hannah Montana debuted in 2006 and was an immediate triumph. Nominated for an Emmy Award, the series is now in its third season. It has spawned video games, sold out concerts and controversy over ticket scalping prices which in cases have reached thousands. Of course, there have been DVD releases of the series entitled Living the Rock Star Life, Pop Star Profile, One in a Million, Life's What You Make It, and Behind the Spotlight

While all the shows focus on the antics of a teenage girl living a double life-student by day, celebrity by night-Life's What You Make It focuses mainly on coming of age and finding oneself. Centered on the ordeal of first love, these episodes follow Miley/Hannah through her star struck relationship with television heartthrob Jake Ryan, who may or may not be what he appears to be. They underline individuality and remaining true to your identity.

Hannah Montana is a delightful series that any adult can feel comfortable about letting their children watch. The character's allure and the plot involving the secrecy of her hidden identity draws both boys and girls-and, in one extraordinary instance, the governor of Illinois! Everyone is attracted to Hannah Montana.

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