Movie Review: Bandslam (Now on DVD)

From just viewing the trailer, it may seem like Bandslam is just a Disney rock band movie. If you give this movie a chance, you’ll see it is so much more than it appears to be. The story of the film involves teenager Will Burton, music enthusiast and David Bowie fan. When he and his mom move from Cincinnati to New Jersey, his life starts to change. Once introduced to the Bandslam music competition and two girls named Charlotte Burton and Sa5m (the 5 is silent), Will has the opportunity to find out who he is.

One of the best things about this movie is the music. Not only does it play an important role in the film, but it is something unique. It features a mixture of retro and new rock music from musicians and bands such as David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, and the Burning Hotels.

In addition to the music itself, there are the singers. Vanessa Hudgens (Sa5m) and Aly Michalka (Charlotte) have something in the film you won’t see with Disney: soul. With Hudgens, her best vocal performance is with the song “Everything I Own”. For Michalka, it is the song “Amphetamine”.

Besides the music, the main characters are developed well. As the film progresses, there are shocking things revealed about them. Also, they say and do funny things from time to time. In one scene, a good bit of deadpanning occurs between Sa5m and Will. “Why do you talk like that?” Will asks. A few moments later, Sa5m says, “Why do you look like that?” By showing authentic personalities, the characters become a part of the film’s theme of identity.

  Overall, Bandslam is a great film. I recommend it to anyone who loves music, especially any teen or young adult.

Here is the scene for the song Ampetamine