The American Mall

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What’s the Story?

Inside THE AMERICAN MALL, an aspiring singer-songwriter named Ally (Nina Dobrev) finds herself falling for a cute custodian named Joey (Rob Mayes), a musically gifted guy who seems to "get" her in every sense of the word. But the mall owner's spoiled daughter, Madison (Autumn Reeser), has her eye on Joey, too -- with plans to use him as a prop to sell her new line of designer clothing. In the process of getting what she wants, Madison also tries to shut down the music store that's owned and operated by Ally's mother (Yassmin Alers), who was once a talented musician in her own right.

Is It Any Good?

Since American Mall is the creative brainchild of the same team that dreamed up High School Musical, it seems to follow that the movie will appeal to tweens and teens, especially those who love musicals. And as romantic leads, Dobrev and Mayes aren't just attractive but also likeable -- and they're talented, too. Either one of them could have a music career (and they probably will). Dobrov, especially, has a pitch-perfect pop voice that's reminiscent of Michelle Branch or Vanessa Carlton. (Mayes' pipes are a little more rock 'n' roll, in the vein of Adam Pascal of Rent.)

If you rolled your eyes at High School Musical for its cheesy lyrics, spontaneous dance numbers, and sugar-coated approach to high school romance, you'll have the same problems with American Mall. But while you're dissing it, be warned: You might just find yourself humming one of the movie's infectiously catchy songs.