zkonedog I really didn't expect much out of the viewing experience as I settled in to watch "Bandslam". Pretty much the only reason I rented it was because of the "Vanessa Hudgens" name and the fact that I thought my younger sister and I would enjoy watching it together. Pretty faces and good music...what can go wrong, right? Unfortunately, the film fell short of even those somewhat less than lofty expectations.For a quick plot summary, the film centers on young high-schooler Will Burton (Gaelen Connell) in the midst of changing schools. Burton, a classic-rock savant of sorts, is quickly befriended/recruited by fellow student and band-leader Charlotte (Alyson Michalka) in order to use his talents to try and win the school's upcoming "Bandslam" competition. Also in the mix is Sam (Hudgens), an unemotional loner who intrigues Will.The biggest problem with this film (besides featuring some of the dumbest exposition in film history) is that, while it markets itself towards children, the subject matter (classic bands, music terminology) is by and large geared towards nostalgic 80s-teens. In this aspect, it suffers from the same problem as 2003's "The School of Rock", although that movie was able to pull through due to the crazy antics of Jack Black. Not only that, but the relationships are so contrived that even young children (like my sister) won't be suckered into them.Further bumping this film down a notch is the poor acting, on the whole. Hudgens (while very beautiful) is by no means a star thespian, while Lisa Kudrow (playing "Mom Burton") plays such an annoying character that it is almost physically uncomfortable to watch. Michalka turns in easily the best performance of the entire piece, with Connell doing a decent job as the lead. Other than that, there's nothing to get excited about.Thus, if you are considering viewing this video due to Hudgens' "High School Musical" reputation, I would recommend the following: Put it down and look elsewhere (as previously mentioned, "School of Rock" would be an excellent same-genre choice). Unless you are easily suckered into the cheesiest of plots/characters, you'll be wondering why you wasted two hours on this.

J Besser Clever right? But I'm serious, this movie is a slam dunk. Almost impossible to resist. People may think that you age out of teen movies but that is not true. How do you age out of good movies? You don't. I still watch "Angus" once a year and replay the ending at least three times. Which begs the question: Who's better movie mom? Kathy Bates in "Angus" or Lisa Kudrow in "Bandslam"? (That may be impossible to answer.)"Bandslam" is a "Put on a show" movie that has a climax like a "Rocky" movie. The cast is dead on. Maybe there is some corn but corn is important to any balanced diet. By the way, I just watched "Bandslam" and watched the ending four times.

Chris (cjala) Foolishly, I thought this was opening as a midwest-basher, then he moves to the East coast and realizes there are douches everywhere, haha. But seriously, a thorough script, nothing's overly forced - except that opening guitar solo (beginning of the school year). But any movie that has the wherewithal to play Nick Drake (go listen to "Road"), has at least got my attention. I dunno, just like a singer you inherently believe, over one you don't, this film has some actual character to it. I just wanted the main character to cut his damn hair. Give yourself a CHANCE brother! Solid movie, well done to those involved - this caliber, in this genre, doesn't come around very often.

martinsteph79 Again, this was another movie I happened to pick up. It's not a bad movie but it slacks at the part to keep the viewers interest. The acting was incredible! It may be the story line, or the plot but I can't be sure. But it starts good, and then goes downhill, the back up, then back down. It's like being on a roller-coaster.Pretty much the only reason I rented it was because of the "Vanessa Hudgens" name and the fact that I thought my younger sister and I would enjoy watching it together. Pretty faces and good music...what can go wrong, right? Unfortunately, the film fell short of even those somewhat less than lofty expectations. Bandslam hits some really good notes but misses others. It's a pretty decent movie overall but I wouldn't count on this movie to be "all the way entertaining." So for that 3/5