Bandslam (2009)

A new kid in town assembles a fledgling rock band -- together, they achieve their dreams and compete against the best in the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands.

Director:

Todd Graff

Writers:

Josh A. Cagan (screenplay), Todd Graff (screenplay),

Stars:

Aly Michalka, Vanessa Hudgens, Gaelan Connell

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Aly Michalka	...	Charlotte
Vanessa Hudgens	...	Sa5m
Gaelan Connell	...	Will
Scott Porter	...	Ben Wheatly
Ryan Donowho	...	Basher
Charlie Saxton	...	Bug
Lisa Kudrow	...	Karen
Tim Jo	...	Omar
Elvy Yost	...	Irene (Cello)
Lisa Chung	...	Kim Lee (Keyboards)
J.W. Wright	...	Dylan Dyer (Glory Dogs Guitar) (as J.W. Wright II)
Blair Bomar	...	Megan
Casey Williams	...	Ms. Wittenberg
Maggie Maye	...	Kyra 17-1
Jennifer Blair	...	Kyra's Friend

Storyline

Will centers on a high school outcast and a popular girl who form an unlikely bond through their shared love of music. Assembling a like-minded crew of misfits, the friends form a rock group and perform in the battle of the bands competition at their school.

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Plot Keywords:

school | battle of the bands | high school | teenager | new jersey | 

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Taglines:

Band Together

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family | Music | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some thematic elements and mild language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [fr]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 August 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rock On

Filming Locations:

Austin Studios - 1901 E. 51st Street, Austin, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£628,957 (UK) (14 August 2009)

Gross:

$5,205,343 (USA) (18 September 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Summit Entertainment, Walden Media, Goldsmith-Thomas Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (FotoKem)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cody Linley was originally up for the part of Ben Wheatley, but the role was later given to Scott Porter.

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Goofs

The shot of Sa5m's name in Will's hand is on unlined paper because they were filmed at different times. Will's hands belonged to a stand in who was on set after both Vanessa and Gaelan had returned to their trailers.

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Quotes

Sa5m: Well, if you were just part of Charlotte's experiment this whole time, then, what is reality? What if Charlotte and her experiment are really a part of someone else's larger experiment? I mean, what if we're being manipulated by some greater intelligence than our own? And if so, is there really such a thing as free will? Am I moving my hand or was it predetermined by a force I'm not even aware of? Charlotte times a trillion.f you were just part of Charlotte's experiment this whole time, then, ...
[...]

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Connections

References Evil Dead II (1987)

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Soundtracks

"Blister in the Sun"
Written by Gordon Gano
Performed by Lisa Chung

User Reviews

Surprise of the summer!!!!

Look at my surprise as I went to see the awful looking Bandslam for a sneak peak of the highly anticipated New Moon. And I came out disappointed at the New Moon angle. Yeah the footage was great but hardly enough to merit buying a ticket to see it. So I got over my disappointment I mean what am I gonna do. And crossed my fingers hoping the 87 percent of positive reviews for this film wouldn't make me regret my ticket price. The film is written and directed by Todd Graff, so i wasn't expecting much because that film got great reviews to. Well I'm the first to admit I'm wrong. And I was wrong. Majorly wrong. Shocked? I am too. Bandslam is such a genuinely endearing, funny, clever great teen flick that has just been so wrongly advertised. The talented Gaelan Connell stars as Will Burton a young man whom moves from Cincinatti to New Jersey. His mom gets a new job and he's glad to leave his loner lifestyle behind because of a shady past and hopefully make a new start. Once there he meets a shy, emotionless girl named Sa5m the five is silent which is kinda dumb. And Charlotte Banks played by Aly Michalka whose looking for a band manager. the whole plot line is centered around this competition Bandslam. Kind of like a battle of the bands where the winner gets a record contract. This film is so unpredictable and feels so genuine. It has the feel of a film by the late great John Hughes. It's a very cool movie about very cool misunderstood kids. Ignore the Disney casting session the film has depth. The performances aren't all perfect but they feel real and the great bits outnumber the awkward ones by far. Connell is so endearing as Will Burton. He's a real dork at first. And just a movie dork. He's a little odd looking, a loner and not in a cool way and is way bad with being social. But by the end you will love him and think he's a very cool guy. His love of music alone is enough to set him apart. the film sports surprising knowledge of the Velvet Underground, the birth of punk at CBGBs, The Ramones and even an cameo by David Bowie himself. Lisa Kudrow is surprisingly great as Will's mother. She shows a great range of depth, emotion and comedic timing. Hudgens is less successful as Sa5m but has some truly endearing moments and has great chemistry with Connell and Michalka is even less successful as Charlotte but when her characters storyline takes a surprising turn so does her performance. The film is just really great much along the lines of last years surprise Nick and Norah's infinite playlist. the film is smart, funny and genuine. A new classic for this generation. Too bad not many will see it just as no one really showed up for Charlie Bartlett, Nick and Nora or the girl next door. The film is really solid the surprise of the summer you should definitely check it out.