Parents Television Council Reviews

PTC reviews aim to provide you with advance information about an entertainment offering so that you can be the final arbiter of what you and your family see.

Last weekend my wife and daughter talked me into going to the theater with them to see a film that I had scarcely heard of and had absolutely no interest in seeing: Bandslam.

WOW, was I surprised!

Bandslam is the latest film from our good friends at Walden Media, starring Vanessa Hudgens and another Disney Channel alumna, Aly Michalka.

This movie is absolutely delightful! And absolutely family-friendly. With a great story, great music, and great production values, Bandslam is a must-see for every family and teen/tween who loved High School Musical!  Parents will be equally-entertained – a rarity for today’s mass-marketed family films.

Bandslam is the story of Will Burton (Gaelan Connell), a high-school student who’s bullied and disliked by everyone. But Will is also a talented and passionate student of music; and when he moves to a new school, he’s dragged into helping the beautiful Charlotte (Michalka) organize her garage band. Will’s musical talent forges the band into a contender at Bandslam, the nation’s largest amateur band competition. But will his friendship with Charlotte and commitment to her band threaten his growing romance with his shy classmate Sa5m (Hudgens)? And will Charlotte and her band beat the hunky, wildly popular Ben’s band at Bandslam?

The movie is packed with great messages: Will’s mother (delightfully played by Lisa Kudrow of Friends fame) loves him, encourages him to make friends and pursue his talents. But she also worries about him, tries to stay involved in his life as he matures into a young adult, and protects him from people she thinks will hurt him, telling Will, “I’m not your friend, I’m your mom.” Charlotte and the eclectic group of teens who make up her band teach Will about accepting others. Most of all, Bandslam tells a heartwarming story about young love, the joy of accomplishment and competition, and the importance of friendship.  And the musical performances are fantastic.

There’s nothing for parents of teens or tweens to be worried about in terms of shocking or explicit content, though smaller children might not be very engaged with the teenage romance story. And parents should know that the film includes conversation about the passing of one of the character’s parents, as well as discussion about the consequences of another parent being arrested for drunk driving. But both of these themes are dealt with responsibly and conscientiously. At his old school, Will undergoes some harsh bullying, including being knocked down and bombed with water balloons; Charlotte and others say “this sucks” a few times; and Charlotte kisses Will to teach him how he should kiss Sa5m, and Will and Sa5m kiss a few times. But again, none of the content seemed to be graphic or gratuitous.

It is an honor to recognize the talented team at Walden Media who have proven once again that it is possible to make a movie that parents and children can enjoy without resorting to profanity, sex or violence.

Every kid who loves music and every parent who loves their kids will love Bandslam! The PTC is proud to award this movie the PTC Seal of Approval^TM, and recommends it for viewers over age 10.

Family Movie Reviews

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