A Great Story About Friendships, Family and a Love for Music

Vanessa Hudgens and Alyson Michalka, both from the Disney channel fame, star alongsideGaelan Connell in this high school film that actually has depth as these kids deal with some heavy issues.  Lisa Kudrow stars as Connell’s mom who so desperately wants to help her son have somewhat of a normal high school experience; she’s even willing to move to another city to do so.

 Connell, who plays Will Burton, seems to be your everyday teen with a few quirks. This somewhat nerdy-looking teen writes letters to David Bowie everyday and tells the kids at school that his dad is a traveling percussionist in a band. (Although we never see dad and he’s never mentioned at home). Will, a self-proclaimed expert regarding music, wins friends by displaying his musical knowledge. Michalka, plays Charlotte who is a senior and very interested in junior, Will. No one’s really sure why, as she’s the school’s hottie and they’re an unlikely pair. Charlotte is on a mission to re-organize her band and win the Bandslam contest. Will has the talent she needs as a band manager and suddenly he’s loving his new school and his new friends. Hudgens, Sa5m, (the 5 is silent) plays a quiet, shy girl who is one of Will’s classmates and begins to have romantic feelings for him.

 Kudrow’s performance as the sensitive and caring mom is superb. This role seems perfect for her as she’s very believable and straightforward. Will needed her help in snagging an awesome drummer for the band and when the prospective drummer sees a photo of Will’s mom on his cell phone he immediately wants to meet this hot chick. Will responds, “Oh, that’s my sister and she loves to hang out at practices.”  Kudrow does attend practice and she’s dressed in some crazy groupie clothes. Mom’s a good sport as not only is her ego being stroked, she views Will blossoming before her very eyes and can’t help but rally around him as he’s trying to reach his goal of assembling the perfect band members for his new group.

 The storyline shifts when Kudrow spies on Charlotte kissing Will outside in the front of the house in a car. Charlotte’s actually assisting Will as he’s never kissed a girl before and helping him with some pointers. Mom doesn’t know what to think but Will continues his ‘great new life’ and decides to take Sa5m to his favorite spot and try out his new lessons. This scene is very comical as the audience knows what is supposed to happen, but as you can guess— life doesn’t always go according to plan.

 A major twist in the plot occurs when Charlotte’s dad dies and she announces that she no longer wants to be the singer in the band.  We are thrown for another loop when we find out about Will and his mysterious dad. Kudrow has a major dramatic scene and Will is face-to-face with the demons that followed him from his previous high school. Sa5m steps up as the new singer for the band. Whew...yes, the plot continues to change, however, that’s what’s so great about this smart film and it’s talented cast.

 The tale ends with a grand finale scene of the ‘Bandslam’ competition, although by this point the contest seems rather trite compared to all the major problems that have been brought to the surface.  As for David Bowie ─ yes, he does make a surprise appearance at the end of this pleasing, teen film.

Sarah Adamson © 2009