“Bandslam”

Summit Entertainment

Directed by Todd Graff

Starring Vanessa Hudgens, Aly Michalka, Gaelan Connell, Scott Porter, Charlie Saxton, Lisa Kudrow and David Bowie

Rated PG

3 Stars

As I spent my weekend trying to catch up on a bumper crop of new movies, I must admit that I was more than a little surprised that a dumb-looking teen musical would prove to be one of the weekend's best movie options. When I say “one of the best options,” I'm speaking about all audiences and not just teenagers looking for some last-minute fun before they all head back to school.

“Bandslam” is that surprising winner, the seemingly clichéd story of the new kid in school, Will (Gaelan Connell) who finds friendship and acceptance when he agrees to manage a high school rock combo. Will adds some new members to the band, adjusts their sound and nurtures them to the point where they will get a shot at a big-time recording contract should they win an upcoming Battle of the Bands-style competition.

None of this is breaking any new ground, plot-wise, but there's a refreshing sense of youth in the movie, and the cast's enthusiasm and energy gloss over many of the film's more predictable moments. Music-wise, I don't think that there are any pop hits lurking on “Bandslam's” soundtrack, but I wouldn't exactly call myself an expert on tween pop, and the kids in my theater audience certainly bounced along with the various rock songs.

There's also some nice chemistry between Will and his two co-stars (who are actually the headliners here). Vanessa Hudgens is Sa5m (the 5 is silent), a moody loner and polar opposite to Charlotte (Aly Michalka) the blonde bombshell leader of the original rock trio. As Disney Channel fans already know, both actresses are great singers, and they turn out to be pretty solid actors as well. For my money, Connell is the real find here, channeling some of the everyday guy charm that made John Cusack and Tom Hanks into stars. Plus his character idolizes David Bowie, so extra points for eschewing the Jonas Brothers in favor of a true music legend.

“Bandslam” is also surprisingly devoid of profanity, the budding teen romances are PG-chaste and while there are a few thematic elements that hint at real world issues (the effects of drunk driving, for example), the film is mostly notable for it's optimistic viewpoint on life. If Hollywood keeps sneaking quality family musical dramas like “Bandslam” into theaters, it might just cause this jaded, old movie critic to become optimistic about life as well.