Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
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.
Bandslam follows a fairly formulaic underdog/battle-of-the-bands arc that doesn't bring much new to the genre. The acting, particularly from Vanessa Hudgens and Aly Michalka, is a bright spot and elevates the material above its script. Cinematography is workmanlike and unremarkable for a family musical. The concept recycles well-worn tropes of the new-kid-finds-belonging story with little distinctive voice or execution. The ending delivers a satisfying if predictable resolution typical of the genre.