‘Bandslam’ is far from exceptional, but is saved by decent character development, a cluster of engaging performances and several amusing deadpan moments.
Comment
08/14/09
Bandslam (2009)
80
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
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
Simultaneously shiny and retro, calibrated and uncalculated, familiar and unpredictable.
08/14/09
Top CriticBandslam consistently exceeds current teen-flick standards thanks to its snarky humour, its strong musical sequences and its ability to convey the excitement the characters feel both about performing and forming new friendships.
08/14/09
Top CriticMusic-driven teen flick is feel-good fun for parents, too.
08/14/09
The outcome isn't exactly in doubt, but the ride is pleasant enough along the way. Connell in particular gives a strong central performance, and a couple of the musical numbers are infectious.
08/13/09
The movie has a few good tunes and some charming comic dash, at least at first.
08/14/09
Top CriticTodd Graff’s coming-of-age musical comedy may hardly be original, but the secret is all in the mix: sweet enough to please the kids, while acerbically downbeat enough to keep the attention of any accompanying adults.
08/14/09
The movie's problem is the division of loyalties between these two female leads, which fatally divides and muddles the dramatic focus.
08/14/09
High school... Vanessa Hudgens... kids making music. We know what you're thinking, but you're wrong.
08/14/09
Within the context of modern family comedies and the vast enabling wasteland of tweener TV, these people feel almost three-dimensional.
08/13/09
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
It seems acutely unaware of how casually sick some of its themes are.
08/14/09
Graff ... stirs in some terrific moments along the way that subvert the genre just a little bit.
08/12/09
It's perfect for families, but never patronising. Sassy, but not saucy. It's the Missing Link between wholesome kiddie fare and 15-rated smut like Superbad.
08/14/09
Dear Todd Graff: Thanks, man.
08/16/09
This isn’t a breakthrough movie, but for what it is, it’s charming, and not any more innocuous than it has to be.
08/13/09
Top CriticLike a 12-year-old playing their first guitar, it lacks polish and goes on too long, but you can't knock the enthusiasm. Great musical finale, too.
08/14/09
A teen movie that strikes all the right chords.
08/14/09
Lisa Kudrow interview: Following her 'Friends' fame, you now get the sense that she's splitting her time between TV work, various films and perhaps most important mothering. Work on 'Bandslam' is now much like real life for her.
08/13/09
Implausible, formulaic, too ponderous for young kids, not cool enough for teenagers and yet strangely hard to resist. File away under extremely guilty pleasure.
08/14/09
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July 13, 2009:
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