Bandslam

If you think about it too much, there’s no way Bandslam should be as much fun as it is to watch. The story, about a group of misfit teens winning the school’s music competition, is an overworked cliché. The actors, for the most part, are way too old to be convincing as teenagers. And the music, with the exception of the classic rock that fills out the soundtrack, is forgettable pop pap. But somehow, Bandslam turns out to be delightful. Part of the credit goes to Gaelan Connell, a slightly odd looking leading man who manages to capture both the intensity and anxiety of being a kid with a unique style all his own. The real treat of the film, though, is watching Lisa Kudrow play his mom, Karen. Not only can she make even the lamest line of dialogue shine, Kudrow has a natural ability to be physically funny without going over the top. The scenes of the band drummer trying to seduce her (thinking she’s her son's older, hotter sister) are exceptionally well done. Given its slick pop culture sheen, it’s easy to see why kids will want to see Bandslam. It’s the film’s other aspects – the good acting, the playful sense of character, the honestly rendered moments of drama – that make it worthwhile watching for film – and music – fans of any age.