Considering the staggering popularity of pre-teen pop-rock and the Scrooge McDuck-like mountains of greenbacks that producers are diving headfirst into as a result, it only makes sense for filmmakers to capitalize on this skyrocketing pop-culture trend. So it’s not surprising that a film like Bandslam was made. What is surprising is that, compared to the insufferability of most teen-rock film projects like the High School Musicals, director Todd Graff infuses his film with a genuine love for classic rock and a dash of quirkiness, resulting in a product that might actually appeal to someone outside the fiercely targeted 10 to 14-year-old demographic.

After moving to a new city and high school with his single mother Karen (Lisa Kudrow) to help him escape his “loser” reputation, awkward but likable teenager Will Burton (Gaelan Connell) finds himself becoming quick friends with former cheerleader Charlotte (Alyson Michalka), who asks him to manage her rock band, comprised of ragtag high school outcasts. Using his extensive knowledge of music to his advantage, Will helps Charlotte prepare her band to compete at an upcoming battle of the bands against reigning champs Ben Wheatley and the Glory Dogs. Meanwhile, Will pursues romance with the attractive but sullen loner Sa5m (Vanessa Hudgens). Yes, Sa5m.»

Bandslam treads the fine line between irritating and endearing, but more often than not falls towards the latter. Held together by Will’s inner monologue, which takes the form of a letter to his hero, David Bowie, the film is often cheerfully far-fetched: In one scene, Charlotte’s bandmates each improvises a part, which magically meld together into an arrangement that a professional band would take months to achieve.

It's formulaic, but Bandslam also captures the awkwardness of high school in a charming way. This is helped by the inherent ungainliness of star Gaelan Connell. But Graff also talks up to his young audience instead of talking down to them. There aren’t many teen-rock films that reference both the Velvet Underground and legendary punk venue CBGB — the real sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll that most of the squeaky-clean fare in this genre avoids like the plague.

The fact that Bandslam acknowledges that rock exists outside the confines of Hannah Montana and Jonas Brothers albums should be appreciated by both parents and older youth. While it wouldn’t be a recommended watch for anyone outside the pre-teen crowd, if your son, daughter or younger sibling is clamouring to go to a movie, you could do a lot worse than Bandslam. You might help create an entirely new generation of Lou Reed fans.