Bandslam Rocks. Yes, really

I've decided to put the fun back into Funemployment, and I went to see the movie "Bandslam" today. At first, I avoided this movie, thinking it was just another Disney Channel-esque piece of drivel. But boy was I wrong.

This movie was produced and released by Summit Entertainment, the same company that is giving us the "Twilight" series, and that produced and released "Sex Drive" earlier this year. Nikki Finke recently posted a letter on her blog that was written to her by a "Summit insider" who said that "Bandslam" was a victim of "Death by Marketing," in that Summit had totally botched the marketing of this movie:

"Start off with the fact that they chose BANDSLAM for a title instead of WILL. They thought WILL was too indie. But that’s what made this movie special. It was an indie voice wrapped up in a high concept. So, instead of selling it quirky and cool (a la Juno) they sold it on the Disney channel's Vanessa Hudgens and Aly Milchaka. Instead of selling the concept, band of outcasts like The Commitments, they Disneyfied this movie with glitter paint."

This insider has it exactly right. "Bandslam" is one of those feel good movies - I almost cried at the end - that is somewhat old fashioned in its appeal, but that's exactly what makes it special. I loved it. What's sad is that despite Disney-fying it with Vanessa Hudgens (she of "High School Musical," who doesn't have the depth to carry this role), and Aly Michalka ("Phil of the Future") they could have made it work. Michalka (also half of the singing duo Aly & AJ) is a star. Watch for her, because she steals this movie. And Gaelan Connell (known for absolutely nothing as far as I can tell) is a typical dork, but he's got some sexy moves. Summit had a gem on their hands and they ruined it by pitching it to Disney kids only. Case in point - my theater was filled with 10 year old girls and their moms. I did not belong there.

But I loved every minute of it. Go see it. It doesn't break any new ground, but you won't be disapointed. I'm going to iTunes right now to buy the soundtrack.

Wood Factor (1-5): for the movie: 4. For Summit: 1.