American Mall

I definitely don't think it was as good as HSM. I watched this because I really liked HSM and I knew this was done by the same people that did HSM. Plus I just love Autumn Reeser. She was good in this. Her character is pretty much the same as Taylor in The O.C. I really wanted to like Nina, the female lead, in this movie but she just didn't do it for me. The girl who did her singing had an alright voice. I really liked the male lead and the rest of the cast. They definitely stole the show. The songs weren't as catchy as the HSM ones, although there were a couple I liked. The story and songs were definitely better by the end. Overall it was entertaining and worth watching.

I actually enjoyed the movie... it was definitely geared more towards an older age group, even though majority or the actors are probably the same ages as the High School Musical cast, in some cases they are actually younger. From what I've read... the singing voice of the main character "Ally" is not in fact Nina Dobrev, but a singer by the name of Keely Hawkes Pressly her myspace is as follows... www.myspace.com/keelypressly I thought her voice was cute, had range and was probably perfect for the sound they wanted... she was definitely better than some of the younger startlet singers whose voices are so high that only dogs can hear them. LOL. But I will definitely be buying the soundtrack, the songs are very catchy, and I wouldn't mind re-watching the movie or listening to the songs.

I wasn't expecting too much from this movie, but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were better than I thought and so were the songs. I only wish the janitors at my local mall were as cute as the janitors in this movie.

Before you watch this movie though you have to think about who's producing it and what audience it's targeted towards. Don't expect deep Golden Globe award winning stuff. It's fun and full of music. I will say the actors are a bit more believable than the actors in High School Musical (and that's saying a lot cause I really like High School Musical). There's a lot more silly comedy in this one too (which I really enjoy) and it's targeted toward a slightly older audience than HSM (more toward older high school students than middle school students).

All in all it's definitely worth a watch. Give it a chance. If you like it than good for you if you don't then you probably tried to take this movie too seriously...

Though comparisons to "High School Musical" are inevitable, the charm of "The American Mall" is in its contrasts. TAM has a more honest and humble foundation for its story, and doesn't over-promise anything. And that's good.

The musical numbers aren't intended to blow you out the door like HSM, but instead are outward expressions of inner battles. Even though fantastical, the numbers reflect feelings and emotions more creatively and genuinely than HSM.

Focusing on the actors, Nina Dobrev's eyes are amazing in their subtle expressions. During an early duet, Dobrev (as Ally) hints at joy, thrill, uncertainty, wild abandon, and fear as her character wrestles with the bombardment of feeling. It's heartbreaking, soaring, and perfectly done. Later, during a terrific fantasy scene, Dobrev burns off the character's restraints to reveal one seriously intense individual. Dobrev's expressiveness combined with excellent songs and sharp choreography give TAM a solid foundation.

In a welcome contrast to Disney's formula of lightweight antagonists, the character of Madison, played to perfection by Autumn Reeser, is one mean young lady, who has no reservations about stepping on anyone to get what she wants. Autumn gives this shallow character quite a bit of depth, though, in a way that sets up a climactic scene that is surprising in its power.

Rob Mayes brings a sense of reality to the character of Joey the janitor. His character's imperfections, choices and their consequences are key drivers in the movie. Mayes' portrayal is nicely understated, and it reinforces the humble feel of the movie.

What TAM shares with HSM are solid songs that move the story along. While HSM has slicker choreography and production, TAM has better and more frequent bits of humor throughout, providing just the right balance of tone.

HSM tells viewers that no matter what stereotype you fit, you don't have to completely subscribe to that image...you can break loose and achieve superstardom, which equates to being able to sing, dance and act.

TAM meets viewers closer to the truth, that not every dream comes true, and that your character and conviction will be sorely tested in life, even by those closest to you. Try to persevere anyway.

To begin with I have to say I am not a fan of musicals at all. Having said that, I ask myself; what is the difference between this movie and a masterpiece like Grease...? Mostly a moronic script (in the case of this film, of course). Otherwise, the music is not half as bad, it could have befitted a decent musical. Of course the acting isn't top notch either like it was in Grease, etc. etc.

Considering this is a made-for-TV production though, I have to say that the music bails it out somewhat and brings it close to an average movie in spite of the above mentioned shortcomings. I suppose the film could appeal to teenagers and the 'High School Musical' crowd, but nothing more.