But what about those equally good gems that never managed to make it into the limelight? I’ve highlighted two stunning movies that should definitely be watched but, unfortunately, are fading into obscurity.
Bandslam
Bandslam is a romantic coming of age film that was hailed by critics. Ruth McCann of the Washington Post says that “Bandslam…is rife with spirit-lifting scenes of teens singing their hearts out…. It’s an unabashedly sweet, zeitgeist-capturing movie that nerdy teens will be happy to grow up with and parents will be pleased to tag along to.”
Despite its good reception by Hollywood’s top critics, it was a financial disaster because of its poor marketing. Nikki Finke of www.deadline.com says that Summit Entertainment’s marketing of Bandslam caused its targeted audience to “[think] it was High School Musical when it was closer to School of Rock.” Many heads of advertising companies expressed their confusion as to why such a good film was marketed so poorly.
The film is about the transformation of Will Burton, from a nerdy high school social outcast to a crowd commanding, fist pumping funny guy who everyone wants to invite to their parties. However, his greatest asset is not his quirkiness or his wit, but his impeccable taste in music, which is why he was chosen to be the manager for the ska band, I Won’t Go On, I’ll Go On. His romantic involvement with Sa5m (the five is silent), and his mysterious friendship with Popular Girl turned Good Samaritan, Charlotte, are sure to give you many belly aching laughs.
All in all, Bandslam was one of the best comedies of 2009 that no one ever watched. Thanks a lot, Summit Entertainment.
Bang Bang You’re Dead
Starring Tom Cavanagh and Ben Foster, 2002’s straight-to-television movie Bang Bang You’re Dead analyzes the impact bullying and censorship has over teenagers. Its intriguing plot and wonderful direction managed it to snag four Emmy awards. After watching the movie, I couldn’t help but wonder why it was never shown in theaters.
Make no mistake, Bang Bang You’re Dead is not a feel good movie. It is a depressing depiction of real high school horrors. The movie revolves around Trevor Adams, an aspiring film maker and stage actor. He becomes disillusioned with the world and decides to stage a fake bomb threat at his high school. He is severely reprimanded, but is still allowed to go to school. He finds it ironic that the bullying he receives after his fake bomb threat is still the same as when he was a “nobody” at his school. His only outlet of expressing his emotions is through making films and acting in plays. This causes an outrage in his community. Parents in the movie are seen talking to school officials claiming that he should have no right taking part in plays or being in class with their children simply because of what he did.
This film is a clever depiction of how many schools in today’s society function. It’s a movie that shows security guards searching student’s lockers and bags for weapons while school officials have no interest in trying to find out the reason for all the violence. It’s a movie that delves into the mind of a potential killer and makes us realize that normal, everyday teenagers and their actions and inactions are the reason why that potential killer is what he is.
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