Platinum Album or One-Hit Wonder?!?
5 minutes into Band Slam… I already really liked it. I liked the casual almost goofy way in which the main character, Will (Gaela
n Connell) narrated the story through letters he was writing to David Bowie. I liked the funny and quotable ways Will described things. I liked that even though I could tell this movie was going to be more cheesy than profound, it still held my attention and had some nice messages throughout.
I pegged this as a simple show about kids who want to win the HUGE local competition Band Slam. Turns out there was little more to it than that. The show starts with the misfit kid being teased at school, but that’s quickly resolved when Mom (played out nicely by Lisa Kudrow) tells him they’re moving. Life gets good for Will fast: he’s partnered with the elusive and comfortable The-5-is-Silent-Sa5m (an enjoyable/different performance from Vanessa Hudgins), he’s surprisingly befriended by upperclassmen beauty Charlotte (the sparkling Alyson Michalka) who makes him her Band Manager because of his vast music knowledge. Fun ensues with Will recruiting band members, creating a competition worthy band, juggling girl friends and girlfriends, and keeping Mom from freaking out about his new social life. Add some not so friendly competition, schedule mix-ups, and Mom getting the wrong idea and this was an enjoyable flick.
I enjoyed that things never got too complicated with lying, scheming and faking it. Problems are resolved sincerely and realistically. Characters talk like people should in real life: Will’s Mom says “I’m not your friend Will, I’m your Mom” or the potential bad guy wants his friends to do the dirty work they reply “We don’t work for you. It’s not like you’re The Joker and we’re your henchmen.” That made me laugh! In the end I loved watching each character working on being their best self.
Motherly Advice: This show would be appropriate for teenage family members. With minimal swearing and a couple kissing scenes, nothing gets out of hand. There could be some dialogue about stereotypes, honesty, acceptance and forgiveness… which should happen with most movies about teenagers. I doubt that this will be your new favorite film, but I think you’ll enjoy it none the less.
5 minutes into Band Slam… I already really liked it. I liked the casual almost goofy way in which the main character, Will (Gaela
n Connell) narrated the story through letters he was writing to David Bowie. I liked the funny and quotable ways Will described things. I liked that even though I could tell this movie was going to be more cheesy than profound, it still held my attention and had some nice messages throughout.I pegged this as a simple show about kids who want to win the HUGE local competition Band Slam. Turns out there was little more to it than that. The show starts with the misfit kid being teased at school, but that’s quickly resolved when Mom (played out nicely by Lisa Kudrow) tells him they’re moving. Life gets good for Will fast: he’s partnered with the elusive and comfortable The-5-is-Silent-Sa5m (an enjoyable/different performance from Vanessa Hudgins), he’s surprisingly befriended by upperclassmen beauty Charlotte (the sparkling Alyson Michalka) who makes him her Band Manager because of his vast music knowledge. Fun ensues with Will recruiting band members, creating a competition worthy band, juggling girl friends and girlfriends, and keeping Mom from freaking out about his new social life. Add some not so friendly competition, schedule mix-ups, and Mom getting the wrong idea and this was an enjoyable flick.
I enjoyed that things never got too complicated with lying, scheming and faking it. Problems are resolved sincerely and realistically. Characters talk like people should in real life: Will’s Mom says “I’m not your friend Will, I’m your Mom” or the potential bad guy wants his friends to do the dirty work they reply “We don’t work for you. It’s not like you’re The Joker and we’re your henchmen.” That made me laugh! In the end I loved watching each character working on being their best self.
Motherly Advice: This show would be appropriate for teenage family members. With minimal swearing and a couple kissing scenes, nothing gets out of hand. There could be some dialogue about stereotypes, honesty, acceptance and forgiveness… which should happen with most movies about teenagers. I doubt that this will be your new favorite film, but I think you’ll enjoy it none the less.
*LyndiLou* - Movie Mom and ClearPlay Band Manager
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