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Cast: Lisa Kudrow, Vanessa Hudgens, Aly Michalka,
Scott Porter, Gaelan Connell
Social outcast Will (Gaelan Connell) doesn't know what to think when the popular Charlotte (Alyson Michalka) asks him to manage her fledgling rock group. But agreeing to help her win the school's upcoming battle of the bands turns out to be one of the best decisions he's ever made. For one thing, it's brought him closer to Sam (Vanessa Hudgens), a girl who shares Will's passion for music but doesn't realize how talented she is.
After a disappointing box-office run I wasn't really expecting much other than just another teen/musical with cheesy dialogue and so-so acting but what I got was something much better. I am not sure why this one never got a harder push during it's theatrical run but at least it will find a home on DVD this week. The film's cast is made up of some of Hollywood's brightest young stars including, Gaelan Connell and Vanessa Hudgens and I got to say after watching this I do see a bright future for these young,talents actors. Vanessa plays a role much different than her turn in 'HSM' and she does a great job playing a character that is not only cute but funny as well. The story wasn't as predictable as I was expecting and it contained a few more dramatic plot lines that certainly separates it from the rest of the movies that have come before it. Besides the young cast the film also has a few veteran actors in it as well like Lisa Kudrow who give the film some added star power. Still the movie succeeds because of it's talented young cast, it's not-so-teen story line and some very good music that instead of being the movie they only help in bringing the story together which is a rarity in itself these days. If you enjoyed movies like "School of Rock" or anything made by the late John Hughes then I expect you are going to like this one as well. Do your self a favor and don't blow this off as just another teen movie because it is more than that which I got to say was a pleasant surprise to me. The Bandslam DVD is loaded with special features including:
Bandslam: Making the Band – a 22 minute featurette hosted by Hudgens and Michalka with interviews from the cast and filmmakers
Audio commentary with Hudgens, Michalka, Connell and director, Todd Graff
Nine deleted/extended scenes with optional director's introduction
Honor Society – Bandslam Music Video
Vanessa Hudgens - Musical Performance
Released by Summit Entertainment
**** Out Of *****