On CLIPS In September, 2009
BANDSLAM

A new kid in town (Gaelan Connell) sets his sights on a girl (Vanessa Hudgens) and managing a rock band for an upcoming competition.

TRIVIA: Vanessa Hudgens' first movie role was in what 2003 teen drama?

New kid at school Will Burton (Gaelan Connell) strikes up friendships with outcast Sa5m (Vanessa Hudgens), the 5 is silent, and popular girl Charlotte (Alyson Michalka). Together they assemble an unlikely rock band to compete against Charlotte's ex-boyfriend Ben (Scott Porter) and his band in the local Bandslam contest. "Bandslam" is a tuneful teen angst dramatic comedy that is surprisingly good for young and old alike. Comparisons are sure to be drawn between this and "High School Musical", especially with Vanessa Hudgens in both movies. But director Todd Graff ("Camp") and his appealing cast have created an ensemble piece that more closely resembles "School Of Rock" - in a rather refreshing way. The characters are more fully developed than in the standard movie musical and the ending isn't quite as predictable as one would expect. Lisa Kudrow has a few friendly moments as Will's mom and David Bowie figures prominently in the plot. The music crosses generations. Mixed in with some new tunes are songs written by David Gates of Bread, Cheap Trick and Bowie himself. With its solid gold soundtrack and a plot almost void of clichés, "Bandslam" rocks!