OK for kids 10+
Music-driven teen flick is feel-good fun for parents, too.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this music-filled high school flick stars tween favorites Vanessa Hudgens and Aly Michalka,so expect interest from kids familiar with their Disney projects.Although it's rated PG and doesn't have any drinking/smoking, violence, or strong language, the movie deals with a few mature themes-- like bullying, an absentee father, a chronically ill parent, and theongoing quest for high school status. Be prepared for a few kisses, too (although nothing gratuitous), and product placement from the likes of Apple/iPod and Coke.
- Families can talk about the bullying and social jockeying that occurs in high school. Does this movie offer an honest, accurate depiction of that? Kids: How do you deal with bullying and cliques?
- Dealing with the absence and/or loss of a parent is a heavy issue. How does the movie depict these themes?
- Whatmusical genres are mentioned in the movie? Kids: One of the main characters mentions how punk influencedlater generations of musicians. Who influenced your favorite musicians?
The good stuff
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Messages: The band learns to put aside personal preferences to work together as a group, rehearsing day after day to meet Will's goals for them. Charlotte espouses her philosophy about doing what scares you most in order to confront your fears, and Will does just that, overcoming his shyness to meet new people.
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Role models: Will is a good model of commitment -- to both goals and friends. He's true to his mother, Sa5m, and the band. The relationship between Will and his mom is sweet and realistic. Charlotte, although at one point a pretty negative role model, redeems herself in the movie's final scenes.
What to watch for
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Violence: Not an issue
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Sex: Ongoing flirting between a few characters leads to a "practice kiss" between Will and a friend -- and later between Will and the girl he wants to date. A high school senior thinks Will's mom is "hot" and eventually plants a surprise kiss on her. A couple of kisses among the Bandslam crowd.
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Language: Mild language includes "idiots," "oh my God," "morons," "nerds," etc.
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Consumerism: Brands visible include Apple (Mac notebook and iPod), Twizzler, California Pizza Kitchen, Coke, Wikipedia, MTV, CBGB, and several other NYC tourist stops. Many musical acts are mentioned or played prominently throughout the film.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
BANDSLAM = GRANDSLAM by waco51
We all know what Vanessa Hudgens, Ali Michalka (Phil of the Future), and Lisa Kudrow (Friends) are like...right? Pretty, can sing (1st two), can play ditsy blonds (last two). Well, I wasn't prepared for this. ALL THREE of them turn in COMPLETELY believable, outstanding performances! I'm talking.. where you forget they are acting because they ARE those characters so completely. ALL the acting is spot on. Numerous times the actors employ facial expressions that communicate far more than words could have. And the male lead is absolutely perfect all the way thru. People, this is on the level of "Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist" for memorable, poignant, priceless moments and witty dialog! A really fine movie. All done in a believable and natural way. There are just too many great (but understated) moments to even mention. Do yourself a favor- go see it! And to those who voted "so-so" or lower:You qualified yourself as too dense to tie your shoes by yourself. Be thankful for Velcro.
5
Finally - A movie the whole family can see by Family Man Dan
This movie was GREAT. My wife and I hadn't heard much about this movie so we looked it up on Focus on the Family's movie review page. They said it could be one of this years Sleeper Hits. They were right! The story line was great and had great family values - actually great values for everyone.
We recommend taking the whole family and we're going back with our grandchildren. A MUST SEE!! And the movie & music was great fun.
5
Bandslam by prinzandprinces
I took my 9 year old daughter to see this movie. I was a little hesitant going, but I am so glad we saw it. The movie gave us some great laughs and kept both of us fully entertained. The music was awesome, great story line, good acting done by all, and Vanessa Hudgens stole the movie! I had goose bumps while they sang during the Bandslam contest. GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!
4
Band Slam by catjimen
I went to midnight showing for the Exclusive New Moon trailer, thinking we wouldn't like the Band Slam movie. We were surprised to actually like it. I watched it with 2 teenagers and an adult friend. Its funny, I will probably buy the movie when the DVD is released.
5
Great Movie For Your Tweens by brianfay
I'm a Dad. Asked my daughter out for a date and she wanted to see Bandslam. I was not excited about this one at all. I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised. Starts off with great music and carries it all the way through (although some of the pop toward the end is a little overdone). The plot was solid enough to keep my full attention for the entire movie which clocks in around 2 hours. I would kind of call this a High Fidelity meets St. Elmo's Fire but rated PG. Lots of laughs, music, emotions and learning.
With all the movies out there not fit for tweens, this one hits the spot and was very entertaining for the folks as well.
4
Great! Band Slam by Philly Fan
I was actually pleasantly surprised. I took my 10 & 11 year old thinking I would be bored out of my gourd, however, the music was great, it was funny and well done. I think I actually embarrassed them when I started moving to the music!!!!
5
BandSlam is a great movie. by Bailey13
I'm glad I ignored the negative comments about this movie and went to see it. Overall, I thought it was great. At the end of the movie, everyone in the theater clapped.
4
Bandslam by quilter329
This movie deals with everyday kids trying to find their place with things they love like music. Although one kids father made life hard for him due to his DUI and the consequences for that fell on the high school kid. The story is very good and has no bad language I would recomend this movie even for the very young as well as the older movie goers.
5
Bandslam rocks! by milka
Bandslam goes beyond the expectations of another "High School Musical" in delivering a thoughtful, fun (lots of laughs!) and entertaining movie! Much talent is on display here, from Vanessa Hugens to newcomer Gaelan Connell. Connell is very effective in his role as the insecure Will who slowly gains confidence. I loved how this movie gave everyone a chance to share their talent and brought together a diverse group of people in a high school setting. The music was awesome and my whole family (ages 5 to 47!) enjoyed this film. Go see it - you won't regret it!
5
Laugh Out Loud Funny! by Movie_Freak94
I absolutely loved it! When Will knocks off Sa5m's hat and everything he does after that, i laughed so hard, i cried! Every cast member that plays an instrument in the movie actually plays that instrument or learned how to play their part on it for the movie, which is really cool because it's really annoying when you watch a movie and you can tell they don't know what their doing. The charaters are interesting and real and different and quirky and all around easy to connect with. They also use real music history and alot of it which makes it seem even more real. The music is amazing and the storyline is great and something i've never seen b4. It's not one of those movies with the same plot you've seen over and over with different actors! I recomend it for kids of all ages!!