Stometer Save your money for something good and enjoyable

AnhartLinkin This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Dirtylogy It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

Kaydan Christian A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

dawn_treador-1 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.

angellwings06 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...

hpootpfan Saw it on MTV earlier, and, although it is from the executive producers of High School Musical, this movie is geared more to the high school crowd than High School Musical is. So, The American Mall is not nearly as childish as High School Musical, making it a better movie all together.The relationship between Ally and Joey was very similar to High School Musical, (the two people sing together, don't know each other, and then meet up again, only to break up shortly there-after, and get back together at the end.) Although, the relationship between Ally and Joey is exactly the same as the relation ship between Troy and Gabrielle, in High School Musical, there is more emotionally depth with the actors/actresses, making it a better experience.It was a great movie, well worth the time and I would recommend watching it soon.

tristenmcd It is no High School Musical, don't let the connection fool you! This movie is so bad! It was one of the most contrived things I had seen in a really really long time and I just watched Troll 2. I seriously doubt that most of the people in this sang for themselves and there were times when the lip-sinking was really off. I had hopes for a semi-enjoyable experience and am really upset with how let down I was. I at least expected good dancing but no. On top of it all they even tried blaming the victim a couple of times amidst all the mainly unintelligible story line and signing. MTV is in big trouble with me for making this movie and trying to give some of these messages to kids. There were times all I could think was "what are you doing". Is that the image and message we want to send to our young girls! Really MTV bad job, you have sunk to a new low. I apologize for my rant but I hope it stops others from watching this and letting any young girls in there house from watching it.