Bandslam

Bandslam Photos

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Cast & Crew

Aly Michalka
Charlotte

Vanessa Hudgens
Sa5m

Gaelan Connell
Will

Lisa Kudrow
Karen

Scott Porter
Ben

Charlie Saxton
Bug

Tim Jo
Omar

Ryan Donowho
Basher

Todd Graff
Director

Josh A. Cagan
Screenwriter

Todd Graff
Screenwriter

Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas
Producer

Ron Schmidt
Executive Producer

Marisa Yeres Gill
Executive Producer

Eric Steelberg
Cinematographer

Jeff Knipp
Production Design

Ernesto Martinez
Costume Designer

John Gilbert
Film Editor

Junkie XL
Original Music

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Critic Reviews for Bandslam

Audience Reviews for Bandslam

• Apr 01, 2012

  Surprisingly solid for a teen film. Vanessa Hudgens' acting and singing, unlike her previous overrated work in HSM, was this time greatly improved in quality (unexpected) even for a slight less-written part for her character than the other leads. The deep build-up in character (uncommon in most typical teen films) also worked in keeping up tension along with the romance dilemma side of it, and I noticed almost no such cliche throughout. Apart from a small amount of corny dialogue present in at least two minor characters, it's worth a decent watch.
  Max G Super Reviewer
• Jun 13, 2011

  Bandslam is clever, funny, charming, and insightful, and Gaelan Connell is a surprisingly charming lead, but it suffers from some odd inconsistencies in its story and tone. There's also an unhealthy dose of that teen musical goofiness we see too often.
  Kyle F Super Reviewer
• Mar 25, 2011

  Since "Sucker Punch" released today, I decided to review another film that stars that hot hottie, Vanessa Hudgens. "Bandslam" is one of the most poorly marketed films whose trailers looked like it was only going to appeal to Disney Channel's demographic. And this is coming from the studio that made the first "Twilight" look like it was going to be awesome. No wonder why it flopped upon its release. Not to mention that it was going up against "District 9" on its opening weekend. I eventually caught the film on DVD and I was proved wrong! The plot follows a kid named Will who is bullied and alienated in his high school. After him and his mom move to New Jersey, he meets a weird girl named Sa5m (the "5" is silent), who is played by ever-attractive Vanessa Hudgens, and a popular girl named Charlotte, played by Alison Michalka. Their school is participating in a Battle of the Bands competition known as Bandslam. Will is a music geek so he forms his own ska band to participate in the competition. "Bandslam" is not predictable tween-targeted garbage. This movie is actually too sosphisticated for tweens. It features smart, witty dialogue and like what the RT critical consensus says, it avoids cliches. It also avoids predictability. It also adds a good blend of coming-of-age drama. But the drama is not too edgy, folks. So don't expect Vanessa Hudgens playing a depressed, knocked up teen. "Bandslam" is a movie for music lovers like me. If you love classic rock from the 70's and 80's than this is for you! And if you're a Gleek, give this a watch as well. Heads-up for all the "High School Musical" haters: nobody bursts into song in this. This is a film you either like of love. As for me, I really liked it. "I do feel like Clark Kent."
  Bentley L Super Reviewer
• Mar 19, 2011

  feel-good coming-of-age teen drama with lots of good music and cute performances
  

  Aldo G Super Reviewer

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