Bandslam

Fantastic! When I went to see Bandslam, I had low expectation. I thought not another band movie. How surprised I was, when this delightful gem unfolded in front of me. Will Burton (Gaelan Connell) the new kid in town, painfully shy and obsessed with contacting David Bowie his idol. Charlotte Banks (Aly Michalka) a popular cheerleader who dropped everyone she knew to become different, more edgier version of herself. Sa5m (Vanessa Hudgens) "the 5 is silent" in her name, is a lone wolf searching for herself and finding friends along the way.

Karen Burton (Lisa Kudrow) is Will's mom, she loves him unconditionally, but can't understand why his peers don't see, what she see's in him. Karen decided to move to Lodi, New Jersey to help her sister with her business. Will who's been wishing to leave the small town that he lives in, at first he was ecstatic to hear the news. But then he ponders about the move and starting over. Shortly after arriving to the new school Will is in the cafeteria notices Sa5m sitting alone reading a book. At the same time Charlotte see's Will and is curious about the new boy. Later that day, Charlotte spotted Will doing a good deed for a stranger and decided to drag him in to the after-school daycare class she volunteer in and after talking to him she realizes that Will is very knowledgeable in music. Charlotte convinces Will to manage her band so they can compete and win the "Bandslam" contest. Which is more popular then sports in New Jersey? The story build up from there.

The chemistry of the cast was well displayed. The two writers Josh A. Cagan and Todd Graff had a specific idea. Mr. Graff who is also the director made sure that this film was not stereotypical movie. And by-gosh the seceded. This is not a cookie-cutter version of a band movie; this is a unique blend of music as the characters themselves. Stand up and dance because you will.

I give this 4 1/2 Stars.