“ROCKIN GOOD TIME”
Starring: Alyson Michalka, Vanessa Hudgens, Gaelan Connell, Scott Porter and Lisa Kudrow
Directed by: Todd Graff
MPAA Rating: PG for some thematic elements and mild language.
Genre: Music-Driven Comedy
By John Delia
Going into this film I was wondering why I was covering a film called Bandslam, but I’m glad for the assignment. This sweet teen-tween film really rocks. Topped off by some great songs by Alyson Michalka and very good acting by a fine support cast, the movie is one of the teen oriented summer’s best.
Talented singer-songwriter Charlotte Banks (Michalka) asks new kid in town Will Burton (Connell) to manage her fledgling rock band. She appears to have just one goal in mind: go head-to-head against her egotistical musician ex-boyfriend, Ben (Porter), at the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands called Bandslam. Their group develops a sound all its own with a real shot at success in the contest. Meanwhile, romance brews between Will and Sa5m (Hudgens) who has a secret vocal talent all her own. When Charlotte gets upsetting news, the band looks doomed for a chance at the title.
This was the first I’ve ever heard of Alyson Michalka (her sister is actress and singer Amanda Michalka), but even though I am an older adult I’m digging her music. Her fresh new sound is hard to get out of my head. I can see some big things happening for the young lady, I just hope she doesn’t take the road of Brittany or Lindsay who nose-dived their and acting careers.
Vanessa Hudgens makes an appearance in the film taking on the role of the character in a secondary lead. Her acting here shows signs of maturity playing the love interest of Will Burton the main character. I liked the way she handled her character, going from an emo teenager to a rockin’ lady.
Excellent direction by Graff allowing the film to develop much like the teeny bopper films of old where teen angst turns into mature revelations. You can see that the actors are having a great time with the storyline and especially their talented band.
Bandslam is not for everyone, but if parents have to tag along they should sit apart from their youngsters and let them take it all in. You never know, they may become your next Alyson Michalka.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A rockin’ good time for teens and tweens. (4 of 5 Palm Trees)