What keeps Bandslam afloat is the way its sweet moments find weird ways of stepping into convention.
Comment
11/04/09
Bandslam (2009)
80
%
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.
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... [More]
Starring: Gaelan Connell, Vanessa Hudgens, Alyson Michalka, Lisa Kudrow
Director: Todd Graff
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.
08/26/09
The music is the movie's best feature, but even that's not much...
08/20/09
The barely hyped Bandslam must settle for simply being the best American movie this summer.
08/19/09
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08/19/09
Though predictable, it at least tries to put on a fresh face to a tiresome old feelgood story.
08/19/09
There is really just a lot to like here.
08/17/09
Top CriticThese are characters that make mistakes, they redeem themselves, and they grow throughout the course of the film.
08/17/09
Top CriticBandslam is a mix of the icky, the corny and the comic, but there’s no denying that it’s fun.
08/17/09
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.
08/17/09
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.
08/17/09
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.
08/16/09
Dear Todd Graff: Thanks, man.
08/16/09
"Bandslam" is a terrific family film that showcases the importance of constructive teenage friendship.
08/15/09
Parental Content Review
08/14/09
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.
08/14/09
Top CriticI 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.
08/14/09
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.
08/14/09
Co-writer-director Todd Graff doesn't look at teens or their issues in a condescending light.
08/14/09
Graff ... mines some spunky humor and heartfelt characters, all while coloring safely within the lines of the underdogs-reaching-the-top storyline.
08/14/09
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July 13, 2009:
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