Good message- teaching kids to follow their dreams and not give up when you encounter a problem. More appropriate version of School of Rock.
Tools for this page
Bandslam
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Music-driven teen flick is feel-good fun for parents, too.
Themes in this movie include: dating/crushes, family relationships, friendship, growing up, loss
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
-
Role models:
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Bandslam
Parents need to know that this music-filled high school flick stars tween favorites Vanessa Hudgens and Aly Michalka, so expect interest from kids familiar with their Disney projects. Although it's rated PG and doesn't have any drinking/smoking, violence, or strong language, the movie deals with a few mature themes -- like bullying, an absentee father, a chronically ill parent, and the ongoing quest for high school status. Be prepared for a few kisses, too (although nothing gratuitous), and product placement from the likes of Apple/iPod and Coke.
Read our full review by Sandie Angulo Chen
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the bullying and social jockeying that occurs in high school. Does this movie offer an honest, accurate depiction of that? Kids: How do you deal with bullying and cliques?
- Dealing with the absence and/or loss of a parent is a heavy issue. How does the movie depict these themes?
- What musical genres are mentioned in the movie? Kids: One of the main characters mentions how punk influenced later generations of musicians. Who influenced your favorite musicians?
Our Members Say
See all 21 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Does music mean a lot to you?
I took my seven-year-old, and she enjoyed it, although much of the subtleties went over her and her ten-year-old sister's head. I actually recommend this movie for adults who were alternative music fans during the disco era. I was too young to go to CBGB, just like the protagonist of this movie, who probably wasn't born yet in the heyday of punk. Pleasant nostalgia for any alternative music fan who just doesn't fit in with their day's popular music. It really captures the inner life of a alt music fan, in a sweet and almost-G-rated way. I liked it a lot.
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
Terrible movie. Totally appropriate but just a bad movie.
- I rate this title off for age 6 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
It is not a good movie for kids.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
I think tweens will love it
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Pefect tween movie .... boys or girls.
Went in thinking "ugh, this is going to be horrible" and I loved it. Had a great "you can do it" message, funny lines, great characters and fantastic music. My daughter and her friends loved loved loved it. They now want to take music lessons. We will definately purchase it when it comes out on video.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Luved it
this movie is awesome and to think i just went for the new moon trailer lol but no it was a great movie it had a good plot good characters and it was hilairous too
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
Bandslam--better than expected!
Bandslam may be a little too long for younger kids ages 7 and under. It is still VERY entertaining and has a lot a of great music by the characters in this wonderful film. This movie also has a great cast. I gave this film a 3 1/2 star ranking( out of four stars.) I liked this film a lot. I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes good music.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Fine for tweens.... and entertaining for older kids/adults
I brought my 9 and 11 year old (and their friends) to this movie and they loved it. I did not find anything uncomfortable, inappropriate or disturbing about it. They came out of the movie saying they wanted to learn new instruments! (And download new music of course) - a great soundtrack for music lovers.
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
I thought this movie was overall very enjoyable. It is a movie that you can see again and again and never get bored of it. It had good messages, such as, working together, and treating everyone the way you want to be treated. It was very well made and it was worth the money I spent.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Great Movie-Especially Music Lovers
I thought this movie was great! There's really nothing bad at all. I guess the worst part-if you could even consider it that-would be when Charlotte tickles Will on his bed after sneaking into his room. But that's it...And that's not even as bad as it sounds. It's a great movie, and music lovers will definitely love it! I did! =)
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
Good for everyone
As Charlotte says in the cute family comedy/drama movie Bandslam, always do the thing that scares you. Just a warning to everyone. Only do it if you think it's right.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A great movie for anybody over 8
This movie will be enojoyed by many music lovers, especially rock music lovers. I enjoyed this movie. I thought it was very good and had a great message to send. This movie was also very funny! There isnt really anything to worry about except for a few kisses here and there but that about it. The actors and actresses also did a very good job and the music was pretty sweet. Go see this movie! I know its not the best movie out there but it will keep u entertained=)
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
on for 9
I loved Bandslam and there was some kissing and stuff, and some bad language and stuff but it was mostly just a comedy. There are some good role modles and some good. And they keep calling Will Burton a mean name and stuff, there is a mean bully and stuff but that's about it.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
Tweens And Teens But Not Young Kids
Good Movie! I Liked The Music, But I Wouldn't Recommend Younger Kids To Watch It....
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Negative role models
Good film for a teen's family. Not for most kids.
I've seen many reviews, clips, and talk shows about the film. It seems like a good comedy, although one child-beloved actress plays a hooker in which she admitted on "Today". The main character's mother is a pressemist who believes his son is the "dark-horse" of his family. In commercials and trailers many ads can be seen.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
Great Movie!!!
This movie is a very good movie which the audience is more meant for late elementary students or early middle school students. If you are bringing a younger kid to see it most of it may go over their heads. There are some parts with a little bit of inappropriate kissing for example a 17 year old kisses the main characters mom, and Aly Michalka's character kisses the main character for "educational reasons". There is some bullying to the main character (Verbal and Physical) and it tells about his dad who was drunk and ran over a kid. If you have let your kid see twilight this movie should be fine for them or if you have a little kid who wants to see it most of the inappropriate parts will go over their heads. But again its a great movie and if you have a chance to see it see it!!!
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
Have you seen it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
Lists for kids who love strong female characters
Best Smart Movie Girls
Best Tween Reads with Great Heroines
- Fairest
- Rules
- Mable Riley: A Reliable Record of Humdrum, Peril, and Romance
- See all 5 titles we recommend
