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:12-08-2009
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
These are characters that make mistakes, they redeem themselves, and they grow throughout the course of the film.
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
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.
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
Whenever the music is playing, it's tough to fight the urge to rock out right in your theater seat.
08/14/09
For the most part, BandSlam is a decent knockoff. The script is quippy and smart. Connell and Hudgens are both appealing.
08/14/09
Tidy, heartfelt direction by Todd Graff (“Camp”); astute song references; and a David Bowie cameo transcend the formula underpinnings and keep Bandslam buoyant, gratifying and, yes, rocking.
08/14/09
Top CriticLatest News for Bandslam
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This week at the movies, we've got an alien nation (District 9, starring Jason Cope and Sharlto Copley); a high school musical (Bandslam, starring Gaelan Connell and Vanessa... More...
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August 10, 2009:
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It's one thing to announce a trailer debut and have fans furiously mark their calendars, DVRs and web browsers at the ready. But when a studio can cause a frenzy by announcing a... More...
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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