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.
These are characters that make mistakes, they redeem themselves, and they grow throughout the course of the film.
– Ben Lyons,
At the Movies,
17 Aug 2009
fresh:
Bandslam is hardly the definition of a great movie, but it is pleasant and bright and doesn't insult its audience's intelligence. And that's as rare and welcome as a well-crafted three-minute pop song.
– Stephen Whitty,
Newark Star-Ledger,
14 Aug 2009
fresh:
Tidy, heartfelt direction by Todd Graff (Camp); astute song references; and a David Bowie cameo transcend the formula underpinnings and keep Bandslam buoyant, gratifying and, yes, rocking.
– Andy Webster,
New York Times,
14 Aug 2009
fresh:
The movie has a few good tunes and some charming comic dash, at least at first.