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Theatrical Release: 8/14/2009
Video Release: 3/16/2010

Bandslam
 Quality Rating: 1-5 Doves

Dove Family-Approved
Suitable for all ages

Dove "Family-Approved" Seal for All Ages

 

 

Reviewer: Scott Rolfe
 Source: Theater
Company: Walden Media
Writer: Josh A. Cagan, Todd Graff
Director: Todd Graff
Producer: Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Ron Schmidt, Marisa Yeres
Genre: Musical
Runtime: 130 min.
MPAA Rating: PG
Starring: Gaelan Connell, Alyson Michalka, Vanessa Hudgens and Lisa Kudrow

Trailer:

Synopsis:
 When gifted 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.

Against all odds, their band develops a sound all its own with a real shot at success in the contest. Meanwhile, romance brews between Will and Sa5m (Hudgens), who plays a mean guitar and has a voice to die for. When disaster strikes, its time for the band to make a choice: Do they admit defeat, or face the music and stand up for what they believe in?

Dove Worldview:
 Movies about teen-aged rock bands have been done before. So, what's different about "Bandslam" you ask? Well, for one thing, this is actually a very good movie. Unlike most formula teen musicals, "Bandslam" is well-scripted with a charming storyline. The cast does a very believable job and the musical sequences are well placed and don't dominate the story.

Moviegoers will enjoy the upbeat tempo of the film and the awesome music! Lessons of love, loss, friendship and commitment are all present. Kids who are going through an awkward stage and feel like they don't quite fit in will be encouraged by the way these lovable misfits come together to create a close-knit group.

Walden Media has created a terrific assortment of "Bandslam" tie-in books and down-loadable lesson plans. Check them out at www.walden.com

Content Description:
 Sex: 5 Boy/Girl Kisses but fairly innocent; teen-aged boy kisses friend's mom - played for laughs.
Language: Minor name calling such as idiot and moron; G/OMG-5; Screw them-2; S*cks-1; Kick Butt-1
Violence: Boy pushed down by bully; a young child slaps a sleeping teacher.
Drugs: None
Nudity: Mom in medium cut top - played for laughs.
Other: Some topics such as the death of a parent (off screen) and another parent convicted of DUI is referred to in conversation