Bandslam

Vulnerable music lover Will Burton (played by Gaelan Connell) arrives at his new home in New Jersey after his mother Karen ('Friends' star Lisa Kudrow) is offered a new job. While attending his first day at New Jersey's Van Buren High in Lodi, he meets outsider Sa5m ("The 5 is silent," she explains), played by 'High School Musical' star Vanessa Hudgens, but once he somewhat surprisingly finds himself striking a bond with "it" girl Charlotte Banksasks (Alison Michalka), she asks him to become a part of her band, after learning of his deep interest in music, to compete in a popular regional battle of bands called Bandslam.

This coming-of-age drama from writer/director Todd Graff ('Camp') is by no means a masterpiece, but it most certainly left me rather impressed to say the very least. What truly wowed is the fact that 'Bandslam' is mostly devoid of expectant teen film clichés, ultimately making for a distinctively charming coming-of-age drama.

The performances are splendid across the board. 'High School Musical' star Vanessa Hudgens is at her best yet playing the part of the rather sluggish Sa5m. Lead star Gaelan Connell is reasonably relatable in assuming the part of the insecure Will Burton. He is excellent; and Lisa Kudrow, if not hilarious, convinces as an overprotective single mother who only fears for her son's well-being in what is ultimately truly quite a heartfelt performance. Ryan Donowho, who plays the agitated Basher Martin, and Alison Michalka are also fine.

Cinematographer Eric Steelberg's ('(500) Days of Summer,' 'Juno') sturdy photography yields requisite visual somberness while the film's exuberant soundtrack, composed by Dutch musician Junkie XL, will have audiences dancing through the isles.

Conveying various complexities of adolescence and teen angst, 'Bandslam' intelligently manages to transcend formulae in an earnest, delightfully distinguishable coming-of-age drama