Bandslam: The Best Film You Probably Haven't Seen
When this blog was new and finding itâs footing two years ago, I shared my review of the film Bandslam which, in itself, was from 2010. Now, as a more seasoned movie viewer I thought I would readdress the issue tonight.
There have been many great films which did not do that well upon their initial release in theaters in terms of profit. Itâs a Wonderful Life, The Wizard of Oz, Blade Runner, and more. 2009's Bandslam fell victim to the same incident. With a marketing campaign that made it look like another in a long line of High School Musical style âtweenâ movies, the film grossed a measly $2,250,000 (a tenth of itâs budget) despite critical acclaim which includes an 81% on rotten tomatoes. But that website will only give you a sentence long review of praise, whereas I am about to explain why I believe it was great in a much more expansive way.
To start with, Bandslam is an amazing film because of the challengeâs it overcame in itâs genre. Since John Hughes, the teenage coming of age story has been ground which has been walked over so many times there are definite imprints on whatâs to be expected in such a film. Those include: a jock, a cheerleader, a nerd, a renegade, and adults who just donât understand you. Bandslam has none of these. The lead character of Will Burton - played expertly by Gaelan Connell - is written in a way rare for the lonely teenage protagonist. His backstory (which is a spoiler heavy part of the film but amazing anyway) doesnât really compare to anything else this genre has brought before, in itâs originality and heartbreaking nature. But beyond the spoilers Will is a three dimensional character who cannot be defined by a cliche: heâs modest, kind, loves music, loves and has a functional relationship with his mother, and steps up to take a leadership position in a subtle way which doesnât need to be sold because itâs such a natural part of the story. Really, screenwriters Josh A. Cagan and Todd Graff should be praised for their character work on this film. Aly Michalkaâs character Charlotte couldâve easily been the poor little rich girl archetype common in high school settings, but with a background involving a sick father and a goal focused around redemption and being a better person she is the perfect best friend for protagonist Will. Their relationship is probably the best plutonic relationship between a man and a woman since âWill & Graceâ, which is a credit not only to the writers but to the actors as well. Equally compelling is Vanessa Hudgensâs Sa5m (the 5 is silent) who could have also easily filled the âemo girlâ stereotype but once again actually has a story in this film that is realistic and relatable. If any phrase could be used to describe all the characters in this film, it would be âthree dimensionalâ. This includes Lisa Kudrowâs performance as Karen Burton, Willâs mom. Instead of the parent who doesnât understand, Kudrowâs role is probably the most accurate portrayal of a loving parent to grace the screen.
But character work isnât the only thing the writerâs did brilliantly, as the story itself is amazing. While many films will have pacing that is jarring, where you could tell that a scene may be cut or it was headed in a direction then swerved out of the way, Bandslam flows naturally and doesnât distract with an obvious three-act structure. They writers get you emotionally vulnerable with a great and heartfelt song before taking that vulnerability and using it against you to make you cry. Itâs really brilliant and should probably be studied in film schools around the world. Also, on a quick note, a golden rule of filmmaking is that it is visual storytelling which should work even if there is no sound. This is best displayed in the relationship between Will and Sa5m, whose scenes are so poignant, heartfelt, honest and relatable that if you watched them on mute you would completely understand what was happening because weâve all been in that situation. I suggest you donât watch the film on mute, because then you will miss some of the best dialogue of the film exchanged between these two, but the point remains.
Great characters on page arenât enough without actors who can portray them well, and Bandslamâs main cast does justice to the depth in the film. Relatively unknown Gaelan Connell as Will is brilliant, giving a performance which simultaneously has so much heart and sadness to it that anyone who has ever been a lonely kid will instantly connect to him. I previously Kudrow for giving an amazing performance as Willâs mom, who I will say again is also a nice change of pace from the bully parents who often inhabit these stories. Alyson Michalka also gains high marks for adding most of the energy and charisma that makes the film fun as well as touching, and her scenes between Connell will make you smile and laugh as well as cry and sob. Probably the award for best performance in this film goes to Vanessa Hudgens. Yes, the High School Musical girl whose film credits also include Beastly, Sucker Punch and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island but hear me out. Sa5m is an emotionally vulnerable girl who serves as one of the great emotional anchors of the film, and Hudgens delivers brilliantly. Her monotone voice which dominates most of the film is done in a way where you never stop to think âthat is so weird and unrealisticâ because it works with the character. Her chemistry with Connell, first and friends and then as maybe-more-then-friends is just as charming, and when her giddy side comes out of this otherwise withdrawn character it is done in a way which is completely natural and honest. All in all, the entire cast deserves praise for their performances in this film.
But yes, Bandslam is a film about music so the music must be well done as well: and it definitely is. With a soundtrack which mixes original songs with David Bowie and indie rock, the soundtrack for Bandslam is something you can listen to on loop for hours and never grow tired of. But probably the most praise worthy musical achievement of this film is the emotional âSomeone to Fall Back Onâ, performed by Michalka a little over halfway through the film. On a personal level, that song moves me completely and totally. Itâs message is one of the best people we can all be and the music put to it is as poetic and mystical as the lyrics. I have listened to that song close to 150 times and each time I hear those beginning notes I always feel a little better. It is something I have carried with me for five long years now and something I suggest you all listen to, even if you donât see the film.
So all in all, Bandslam is pretty freaking amazing. And if you donât listen to one blogger, then listen to the critics. An 81% on Rotten Tomatoes is better then The Fault of Our Stars, Saving Mr. Banks and Fight Club. Just, whatever you do, please donât judge this film on this trailer. Judge it on the amazing nature of itâs quality and the brilliant honesty of itâs story.
origamiaround
areudirty
pixelskylines
jacobvanloon
dailybridgerton
gracieabrams
blakekathryn
kianamaiart
baratheonpilled
