The American Mall (2008 TV Movie) User Reviews

A clone of Camp Rock, High School Musical and probably others.

[creole · 4/10 · 11 August 2008]

I just finished watching this show. I agree to a large degree with the review that was posted on here. This show could have been a lot better with more originality. I have read that the main female singer's voice may have been dubbed. This movie was more set up to sell the commercials than to present a musical like "High School Musical," and actually "Camp Rock" were. It borrowed from these sources as well as a host of others I cannot think of at the moment.

Frankly I liked some of the songs but Mtv cut off some of the numbers to go to commercials before the ending of the song was actually shown. The last number was definitely borrowed from "Camp Rock." When "High School Musical" came out, I thought it was a good idea and I am sure teenagers could relate. Now we are seeing so many clones or attempts to clone this show, that is getting out of hand.

I am sure the "Camp Rock" and "High School Musical" fans will probably watch this or tape it and may even buy the DVD.

I wish they could rely on better material.

Again, this is one person's opinion.

A bit of a High School Musical ripoff

[twistedkites8705 · 5/10 · 26 September 2008]

I definitely don't think it was as good as HSM. I watched this because I really liked HSM and I knew this was done by the same people that did HSM. Plus I just love Autumn Reeser. She was good in this. Her character is pretty much the same as Taylor in The O.C. I really wanted to like Nina, the female lead, in this movie but she just didn't do it for me. The girl who did her singing had an alright voice. I really liked the male lead and the rest of the cast. They definitely stole the show. The songs weren't as catchy as the HSM ones, although there were a couple I liked. The story and songs were definitely better by the end. Overall it was entertaining and worth watching.

Liked :)

[itt-747-11384 · 5/10 · 1 March 2011]

This movie is exactly what a stupid teen musical should be like! With the hottest female main character, fun characters, great catchy songs that gets stuck on your brain forever and a fun story. And also that horrible mean girl with lots of power that you just want to blow up, the parent that doesn't understand and of course love and trouble.

I liked how they made the movie, and the actors and actresses, especially Nina Dobrev who I think does a really great job.

I really recommend this movie to chick flick lovers or someone who just wants to get cozy and watch a cute film :)

Hope this helped!

it's really THAT bad.

[karenizcool · 1/10 · 12 August 2008]

Whenever I read bad reviews, i always think people are exaggerating. but this movie was just baaad.

nina dobrev is an inexperienced actress and she's just awkward when she talks and sings and dances. the characters are unlikeable (the ones we're suppose to like anyway) and there is nothing unique about the movie.

Props to autumn reeser though. she is such a great mean character and she can act dance and sing.

the songs aren't catchy and the whole movie is so...cheap. stay away from this one unless you are watching the movie for a particular actor.

American Snoozer Mall

[citizen_ernie · 1/10 · 5 August 2008]

Took my two girls to see this movie at the Premier in Hoffman Estates,IL this week. Snoozer. Both my kids, one is 15, another the age of 6 were bored with it. Very few dance numbers, the main character (female), her voice was terrible. The musical numbers were good but few. Had I had to pay to see this movie, I would have asked for a refund. I would recommend this movie to those that are easily amused and do not care if the story is weak and predictable. If the acting was better, and more dance scenes were had, I would then give this movie a C+ Perhaps if the story wasn't so poor, the dance and singing scenes may have made a stronger impact. Bad, really, really bad movie. No wonder it is a made for TV movie.

MTV What are you doing!!!

[tristenmcd · 11 August 2008]

It is no High School Musical, don't let the connection fool you! This movie is so bad! It was one of the most contrived things I had seen in a really really long time and I just watched Troll 2. I seriously doubt that most of the people in this sang for themselves and there were times when the lip-sinking was really off. I had hopes for a semi-enjoyable experience and am really upset with how let down I was. I at least expected good dancing but no. On top of it all they even tried blaming the victim a couple of times amidst all the mainly unintelligible story line and signing. MTV is in big trouble with me for making this movie and trying to give some of these messages to kids. There were times all I could think was "what are you doing". Is that the image and message we want to send to our young girls! Really MTV bad job, you have sunk to a new low. I apologize for my rant but I hope it stops others from watching this and letting any young girls in there house from watching it.

Not a great movie

[winterandspring · 2/10 · 12 August 2008]

Not a great movie, not even decent. I have to agree with another of the posters here. From my kids point of view, it was not worth watching. Giving a teen's point of view isn't putting down actors, it is giving her opinion, which in your words is putting down my own kids. Kids are entitled to give their opinion too since this movie is geared towards them anyway.I watched this movie with my 3 girls, one left the room, another fell asleep and the 3rd watched it until the end to see if it got any better. Half way through the movie I read a book. In addition the movie left question unanswered. Did the gal and her mom get to keep their store? We can only assume she did. For an adult we can assume the outcome, for tweens and possibly some teens, they are left wondering.

Horrible

[sesmith70 · 2/10 · 29 March 2015]

I bought this DVD from a bargain bin, and I still paid too much. I find sappy musicals so annoying, and this one hit a new low for me. I have heard more depth in songs on Jem! The songs are so heavily auto tuned, it was like listening to Britney and Madonna caterwauling! The characters are all so shallow, the dance routines make Glee look like Hamlet. The whole movie was a giant "flash mob" with little flash and a lame mob. The plot line is very similar to many teen dramas (90210, Degrassi, Parker Lewis Can't Lose). I had never heard of any of the "actors" in this movie, and I can see why. All very forgettable performances, although I thought "Ben" (the hot dog guy) was cute. Save your money, don't bother with this one.

HOLLYWOOD SUCCESS...

[nogodnomasters · 5/10 · 10 April 2019]

Ever since Fame, it seems every year Hollywood has attempted to come up with a teenage musical worse than the previous year. American Mall is no exception, unless you just want a story with some good old fashion lip syncing fun. Ally is the daughter of a women who owns an unsuccessful mall music store. Mom used to have dreams of being a star, but when they never happened, she made her daughter study business and refuses to let herself live her life through her daughter as most parents would. While playing her music at the mall she meets a teenage janitor boy (Joey) who is "in tune" with her music. During a three minute lip syncing musical number their souls entwine. However there is the pure evil mall daughter who feels rejection from her father so she takes it out on poor Ally. In an almost Faustian manner, she steals Joey away from Ally by making him her model poster boy.

To pour salt in the wound she also steals her music to promote her store (PLOT SPOILER, if there is such a thing for this teenage love story). Eventually Joey comes to his senses and shuns fame, fortune, and a beautiful rich girl for Ally his soul mate. All ends well with everyone in perfect lip sync for the finale. Nina Dobrev at times comes across as another Miley Cyrus, while at other times she is more like Anne Faris. If you are a young teen or tween girl, this is a 10 star movie for you Cinderella. Us guys will just stomach it while you enjoy the bejesus out of it.

No nudity, no sex, no bad language, just some minor sexual innuendos such as "Is he a good kisser and how big are his hands?" Yawn.

Charming in its honesty and humility; Dobrev, Reeser and Mayes do it right

[dawn_treador-1 · 7/10 · 21 August 2008]

Though comparisons to "High School Musical" are inevitable, the charm of "The American Mall" is in its contrasts. TAM has a more honest and humble foundation for its story, and doesn't over-promise anything. And that's good.

The musical numbers aren't intended to blow you out the door like HSM, but instead are outward expressions of inner battles. Even though fantastical, the numbers reflect feelings and emotions more creatively and genuinely than HSM.

Focusing on the actors, Nina Dobrev's eyes are amazing in their subtle expressions. During an early duet, Dobrev (as Ally) hints at joy, thrill, uncertainty, wild abandon, and fear as her character wrestles with the bombardment of feeling. It's heartbreaking, soaring, and perfectly done. Later, during a terrific fantasy scene, Dobrev burns off the character's restraints to reveal one seriously intense individual. Dobrev's expressiveness combined with excellent songs and sharp choreography give TAM a solid foundation.

In a welcome contrast to Disney's formula of lightweight antagonists, the character of Madison, played to perfection by Autumn Reeser, is one mean young lady, who has no reservations about stepping on anyone to get what she wants. Autumn gives this shallow character quite a bit of depth, though, in a way that sets up a climactic scene that is surprising in its power.

Rob Mayes brings a sense of reality to the character of Joey the janitor. His character's imperfections, choices and their consequences are key drivers in the movie. Mayes' portrayal is nicely understated, and it reinforces the humble feel of the movie.

What TAM shares with HSM are solid songs that move the story along. While HSM has slicker choreography and production, TAM has better and more frequent bits of humor throughout, providing just the right balance of tone.

HSM tells viewers that no matter what stereotype you fit, you don't have to completely subscribe to that image...you can break loose and achieve superstardom, which equates to being able to sing, dance and act.

TAM meets viewers closer to the truth, that not every dream comes true, and that your character and conviction will be sorely tested in life, even by those closest to you. Try to persevere anyway.

Not worth watching

[colettehaley · 2/10 · 13 December 2020]

Normally I love musicals, but this movie has no spark. The songs are lacklustre and the emotions contrived. Nina Dobrev's singing voice was poorly dubbed over, so not only is it not her singing, but the lips and vocals often don't match.

Watching Autumn Reeser play the villain is the only fun thing (she's the only reason I gave it 2 stars), but no one even stands up to her bully behaviour.

That's bull!

[lauren-leonardxo · 10/10 · 11 August 2008]

This movie was a great teenage musical, filled with great songs and dance numbers. The cast did a fantastic job on the vocals and i think you are being a little to judge mental.If Nina (lead actress) couldn't sing then why would they have cast her for lead!? This movie is making a bold statement in saying that you shouldn't't/can't just take or be given everything you have to earn it. It teaches that you can't be selfish, that you have to give to get things in return. There were also the little messages in it to help make the earth a better place. In the shirts Nina would wear to the earth friendly contexts. It's okay to have your own opinion but when your putting other's down, those who are doing this for kids like yours, that's low.

Cliché, predictable, but overall an enjoyable movie

[jkgasante · 7/10 · 12 August 2008]

Yeah, I know the movie was predictable, and the plot was cliché. But in my opinion, the acting was pretty good and the relationship between the two main characters played out great on the screen. One of the reviewers says there wasn't enough dance scenes. I watched this on TV last night, and there was a song or dance break in almost every scene. Seriously, the characters would talk for a few minutes before breaking out in song. As for the people complaining that this movie is too similar to High School Musical, I want to point out that the producers of that movie had a part in this, so it's a bit unavoidable. Also, personally, I at least enjoyed this movie more than Camp Rock. Who watches a teen movie for a deep plot anyway? Both High School Musical films were predictable, but I still loved them immensely. Same with this movie. It has catchy songs, fun dance numbers, hilarious dialogue, and interesting characters; even apart from the main two, in fact my favourite character happened to be the best friend, Ben.

Basically, if you want a fun, enjoyable, musical experience like CR or HSM then check out this movie, but don't go in expecting too much of a deep story, it's more of a fun late night DVD to pop in and watch with your friends.

Average...?

[buiger · 4/10 · 24 January 2012]

To begin with I have to say I am not a fan of musicals at all. Having said that, I ask myself; what is the difference between this movie and a masterpiece like Grease...? Mostly a moronic script (in the case of this film, of course). Otherwise, the music is not half as bad, it could have befitted a decent musical. Of course the acting isn't top notch either like it was in Grease, etc. etc.

Considering this is a made-for-TV production though, I have to say that the music bails it out somewhat and brings it close to an average movie in spite of the above mentioned shortcomings. I suppose the film could appeal to teenagers and the 'High School Musical' crowd, but nothing more.

Not all musicals need to be that cheesy, but I'll accept this as a treasure

[terrellrobinson71 · 7/10 · 10 April 2010]

I love watching musicals, especially my all-time favorite "Grease", but when it comes to the Disney Channel-type musicals like the "High School Musical" saga, cheesy and forgivable is in my library. This comes in handy with the MTV musical treasure, "The American Mall" which is not a Disney Channel-type of musical. The plot involves Ally (Nina Dobrev from Degrassi: The Next Generation and The Vampire Diaries) who is a singer/songwriter who is (a) trying to fit in with her music career, (b) trying to get into a musical symposium and (c) stuck with her mother while working in a music shop. That all changes when the handsome janitor/musician named Joey (Rob Mayes) hears one of her songs and is amazed by the songs she writes. Ally and Joey do have eyes for each other and they do fall in love but love is so not a sales item when the bitchy Madison (Autumn Reeser) interruptly snatches Joey from Ally and turns him into a sensation for Madison's new store. Director Shawn Ku and telewriter Margaret Oberman takes some time with the clichés, but the musical numbers and the cast sometimes hits it home. They don't exactly standout when it comes to 20somethings playing teenagers but mostly, I didn't care. Add some funny janitors, some wacky assistants, an token Asian-American guy who is funny for anything and the result is a cheesy but likable and charismatic treasure that is worth checking out to the pre-teens and teenagers. P.S: Good performances from Dobrev and Mayes as the two leads.

Pretty good for MTV

[thoroughlyme · 8/10 · 11 August 2008]

Saw it on MTV earlier, and, although it is from the executive producers of High School Musical, this movie is geared more to the high school crowd than High School Musical is. So, The American Mall is not nearly as childish as High School Musical, making it a better movie all together.

The relationship between Ally and Joey was very similar to High School Musical, (the two people sing together, don't know each other, and then meet up again, only to break up shortly there-after, and get back together at the end.) Although, the relationship between Ally and Joey is exactly the same as the relation ship between Troy and Gabrielle, in High School Musical, there is more emotionally depth with the actors/actresses, making it a better experience.

It was a great movie, well worth the time and I would recommend watching it soon.

cute =)

[jasmbart · 8/10 · 12 August 2008]

I actually enjoyed the movie... it was definitely geared more towards an older age group, even though majority or the actors are probably the same ages as the High School Musical cast, in some cases they are actually younger. From what I've read... the singing voice of the main character "Ally" is not in fact Nina Dobrev, but a singer by the name of Keely Hawkes Pressly her myspace is as follows... www.myspace.com/keelypressly I thought her voice was cute, had range and was probably perfect for the sound they wanted... she was definitely better than some of the younger startlet singers whose voices are so high that only dogs can hear them. LOL. But I will definitely be buying the soundtrack, the songs are very catchy, and I wouldn't mind re-watching the movie or listening to the songs.

Very Cute and Fun Flic...

[angellwings06 · 8/10 · 15 August 2008]

I wasn't expecting too much from this movie, but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were better than I thought and so were the songs. I only wish the janitors at my local mall were as cute as the janitors in this movie.

Before you watch this movie though you have to think about who's producing it and what audience it's targeted towards. Don't expect deep Golden Globe award winning stuff. It's fun and full of music. I will say the actors are a bit more believable than the actors in High School Musical (and that's saying a lot cause I really like High School Musical). There's a lot more silly comedy in this one too (which I really enjoy) and it's targeted toward a slightly older audience than HSM (more toward older high school students than middle school students).

All in all it's definitely worth a watch. Give it a chance. If you like it than good for you if you don't then you probably tried to take this movie too seriously...

Great! but not excellent

[simple_sweetness89 · 9/10 · 18 August 2008]

i think this movie was awesome. it had the same plot line of high school musical but while you are watching the movie it doesn't seem anything like it! the songs where all very good and entertaining!i think the relationship between ally and joey was a tad unbelievable because the night they sing on the roof is the first time they met and i think it is kinda weird how they are about to kiss when they hardly know each other, however this movie was very enjoyable and i look forward to buying it on DVD. ally's voice was doubled and i felt it was OK but at times kinda sq.the main guy, joey should have been cuter because he wasn't that cute.on much music they kinda skipped parts and had way too many commercials and they cut off some of the music numbers. my favorite song in the movie was survivor because it shows that she is getting over joey and her voice isn't as squeaky in this song! but i really think her voice is good. i was surprised that autumn Reeser could sing. that made the movie better. she is a really good actress. i recommend this movie to people who aren't picky with what they watch!

HONESTLY SO CAMP

[garrievans97 · 9/10 · 7 February 2022]

This movie was so camp and iconic I love the characters were all so good I loved when that girl was like PUT ME OUT OF MY MISERY and then Nina Dobrev bonked her head. It would be a 10 if they made Ben gay like they should have.