Bandslam is a mix of the icky, the corny and the comic, but there's no denying that it's fun.

The characterisations are just a little unorthodox and the whole thing, despite a soggy middle during which nothing much happens, goes with an above average swing.

Tidy, heartfelt direction by Todd Graff (Camp); astute song references; and a David Bowie cameo transcend the formula underpinnings and keep Bandslam buoyant, gratifying and, yes, rocking.

The movie can't seem to decide whether it wants to be a Disney movie or a teen indie flick with a good soundtrack.