What keeps Bandslam afloat is the way its sweet moments find weird ways of stepping into convention.
Bandslam (2009)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:87
Fresh:70
Rotten:17
Average Rating:6.4/10
Consensus: Bandslam is an intelligent teen film that avoids teen film cliches, in an entertaining package of music and coming-of-age drama.
Rated: PG [See Full Rating] for some thematic elements and mild language
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Theatrical Release:Aug 14, 2009 Wide
Box Office: $5,205,343
Synopsis:
Disney Channel superstars Vanessa Anne Hudgens (High School Musical 1 & 2, High School Musical 3) and Alyson Michalka (Phil of the Future, pop duo Aly and AJ) join Gaelan Connell (Chocolat), Scott...
Disney Channel superstars Vanessa Anne Hudgens (High School Musical 1 & 2, High School Musical 3) and Alyson Michalka (Phil of the Future, pop duo Aly and AJ) join Gaelan Connell (Chocolat), Scott Porter (Speed Racer) and Lisa Kudrow ("Friends") in the music-driven comedy BANDSLAM. When gifted singer-songwriter CHARLOTTE BANKS (Michalka) asks new kid in town WILL BURTON (Connell) to manage her fledgling rock band, she appears to have just one goal in mind: go head-to-head against her egotistical musician ex-boyfriend, BEN (Porter), at the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands.
Against all odds, their band develops a sound all its own with a real shot at success in the contest. Meanwhile, romance brews between Will and SA5M (Hudgens), who plays a mean guitar and has a voice to die for. When disaster strikes, it's time for the band to make a choice: Do they admit defeat, or face the music and stand up for what they believe in? --© Summit Entertainment
Starring: Gaelan Connell, Vanessa Hudgens, Alyson Michalka, Lisa Kudrow
Starring: Gaelan Connell, Vanessa Hudgens, Alyson Michalka, Lisa Kudrow, Scott Porter, David Bowie
Director: Todd Graff
Director: Todd Graff
Screenwriter: Josh A. Cagan, Todd Graff
Story: Josh A. Cagan
Producer: Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas
Studio: Summit Entertainment
Reviews for Bandslam
Though it wears out its welcome as it teeters rather than rocks toward the finish line, there is something inherently enticing in the old "let's put on a show" formula it utilizes.
The barely hyped Bandslam must settle for simply being the best American movie this summer.
Though predictable, it at least tries to put on a fresh face to a tiresome old feelgood story.
These are characters that make mistakes, they redeem themselves, and they grow throughout the course of the film.
Bandslam is a mix of the icky, the corny and the comic, but there’s no denying that it’s fun.
A witty, touching, cleverly plotted film with excellent music and it made me feel for the first time in years that I'd like to be an American teenager.
The characterisations are just a little unorthodox and the whole thing, despite a soggy middle during which nothing much happens, goes with an above average swing.
My 6 year old enjoyed it. I guess I would just like a little more effort from the filmmakers. Maybe worth a DVD rental, though.
"Bandslam" is a terrific family film that showcases the importance of constructive teenage friendship.
Bandslam is hardly the definition of a great movie, but it is pleasant and bright and doesn't insult its audience's intelligence. And that's as rare and welcome as a well-crafted three-minute pop song.
I would have had much more interest in this film if the cinematographer would have just handed the camera over to Vanessa Hudgens and turned her loose alone in her hotel room.
You have to respect any movie that name-checks the Velvet Underground and assumes its tweenage viewers will get the reference -- or ask their parents later.
Co-writer-director Todd Graff doesn't look at teens or their issues in a condescending light.
Graff ... mines some spunky humor and heartfelt characters, all while coloring safely within the lines of the underdogs-reaching-the-top storyline.
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July 13, 2009:
Check out 8 Bandslam video clips and interviews with Alyson Michalka, Vanessa Hudgens, Gaelan Connell, and Lisa Kudrow ![]()
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 68% 68% | The Last Station | 12/23 |
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