Bandslam

Summit Entertainment | Starring Vanessa Hudgens, Aly Michalka, Gaelan Connell, Lisa Kudrow | Rated PG

Bandslam is a romantic, musical comedy about a group of high school students who enter a band competition by the same name. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill contest. As one character puts it, Bandslam is “Texas football big.” The stakes are high.

Will Burton (Gaelan Connell) isn’t prepared for the popular senior Charlotte Banks (Aly Michalka) to befriend him when he becomes a new student at the local high school. When she finds out he has a wealth of musical wisdom, she talks him into helping her manage her band. She’s determined to compete against her ex-boyfriend and his band at Bandslam.

Will transforms a group of talented misfits into a band with a sound all their own. At the competition, the group is thrown for a loop, but they’re able to come together not only as bandmates but also as friends.

In the midst of preparing for competition, romance buds between Will and Sa5m (the “5” is silent) played by Vanessa Hudgens. As he gets to know her, he discovers she has her own hidden musical talents. Their friendship helps each of them overcome personal hurts from the past and move forward.

This movie, though based on music and competition, is also a story of true friendship. It is a bit predictable, but still is an entertaining. Bandslam is rated PG for thematic elements and mild language. And although there is some kissing and discussion of drunk driving, overall it is a safe bet for preteens and older.