Bandslam

PG

Released Aug 14, 2009

1 hr. 51 min.

Musical

Comedy

Romance

List

82%

104 Reviews

Tomatometer

64%

100,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

A gifted singer/songwriter, Charlotte (Aly Michalka) hires Will Burton (Gaelan Connell), a new guy in town, to manage her fledgling rock band. She wants one thing from him: to help her win a contest against her ex-boyfriend in an upcoming battle of the bands. Charlotte's band comes together and seems to have a real shot at victory, while Will and dynamic guitarist Sa5m (Vanessa Hudgens) begin to make some beautiful music of their own.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Premiered Sep 06

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Paramount+

Apple TV

Watch Bandslam with a subscription on Paramount+, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

Bandslam is an intelligent teen film that avoids teen film cliches, in an entertaining package of music and coming-of-age drama.

Read Critics Reviews

Loya C

I absolutely love this movie as it's in a way my generation's coming of age movie that has an incredible soundtrack and a great plot line. It's just a really great movie to watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/09/24

Full Review

Sean S

This is a phenomenal coming of age movie that bypasses the normal cliches that you would expect. All the characters of great story arcs and the songs create the heartbeat of the movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/21/23

Full Review

Devils A

What a great movie about a guy who falls in love with someone he cannot keep but then he finds the other girl that is the center of his dreams, thus I give this film a *4* star rating!!!!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

steve d

The cast is strong but the script uneven and the chemistry nonexistent.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This film subverted my expectations. With a solid story, good performances, fun musical numbers and a surprising amount of maturity, "Bandslam" is an entertaining time.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

Full Review

michael t

Fun movie. The two female leads are fetching, especially Aly Michalka. A few curve balls in the story line, so it's not totally predictable. The usual HS outcast makes good story. Not clear why Vanessa Hudgens' character would be an outcast, tho, and why those two gorgeous girls would take an interest in the lead guy who's made up to be a dweeb. I guess these stories don't have to be realistic. The music is good which is a plus in a movie about bands. I didn't realize Aly really is a singer until after.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Todd Graff

Director

Aly Michalka

Charlotte

Vanessa Hudgens

Sa5m

Gaelan Connell

Will

Lisa Kudrow

Karen

Scott Porter

Ben

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

8%

39%

From Justin to Kelly

68%

43%

Earth Girls Are Easy

28%

37%

New in Town

47%

61%

Just Wright

29%

22%

Chatham

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Now Streaming: McFarland USA, Run All Night, and More

Critics Consensus: District 9 is Certified Fresh

Box Office Guru Preview: District 9 Invades Over Crowded Frame

View more photos

Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: B+

Feb 18, 2012

Full Review

Hank Sartin

Time Out

Rated: 3/5

Nov 17, 2011

Full Review

Ben Mankiewicz

At the Movies

There is really just a lot to like here.

Aug 17, 2009

Full Review

Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

The movie can't seem to decide whether it wants to be a Disney movie or a teen indie flick with a good soundtrack.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 31, 2021

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

For the first time this year, a teen film actually appeals to teens.

Rated: 6/10

Nov 28, 2020

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Equal parts John Hughes and Cameron Crowe with a little bit of Spike Jonze tossed in.

Rated: 3.0/4.0

Sep 2, 2020

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

A gifted singer/songwriter, Charlotte (Aly Michalka) hires Will Burton (Gaelan Connell), a new guy in town, to manage her fledgling rock band. She wants one thing from him: to help her win a contest against her ex-boyfriend in an upcoming battle of the bands. Charlotte's band comes together and seems to have a real shot at victory, while Will and dynamic guitarist Sa5m (Vanessa Hudgens) begin to make some beautiful music of their own.

Director: Todd Graff
Executive Producer: Ron Schmidt, Marisa Yeres Gill
Screenwriter: Josh A. Cagan, Todd Graff
Distributor: Summit Entertainment
Production Co: Goldsmith-Thomas Productions, Walden Media
Rating: PG (Thematic Elements|Mild Language)
Genre: Musical, Comedy, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 14, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 29, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.2M

Most Popular at Home Now