The American Mall to be the Next High School Musical?

Not in this lifetime.

The American Mall premiered at 9PM last night on MTV. And what can I say? It bombed. There wasn't much hype leading up to its debut, a surprising factor considering the popularity of both the channel and teen musicals, but I had still been looking forward to the premiere.

First off, the music was awful. At least with the cheesy lines and acting in High School Musical, they managed to leave a few catchy songs. The ones in The American Mall, however, all had the same "bad pop song" vibe. Worst of all, they were all extremely passive; it's the next morning and I still can't remember a single lyric.

The story itself had potential, but the execution just left it hanging limp. This was probably due to poor writing. The scenes never flowed together quite right, and there was never a moment or line that left the audience wowed. The movie might have come together a bit better if the plot hadn't arrived an hour into the movie, but unfortunately, that was the case.

Since the dancing wasn't exactly Broadway level, that leaves only one factor left that could have possibly saved the film: the actors. Now, the acting was horrendous or anything, but the actor choice may have been another downfall of the producers. With a better story and music, they may have been able to pull off the movie with some unknowns starring, but less-than-famous Nina Dobrev (who's only real claim to fame was her role as "Mia" on Degrassi's later seasons) left me even less excited to watch, let alone willing to sit through her squeaky singing.

And I don't know if anyone else but myself noticed, but the entire story seemed to be a mock up of Camp Rock, which debuted in June. Sure, it took place in a mall and the gender roles were switched a few times, but the over all theme, ending, forgiving mean girl, and the "mysterious voice" thought all originated from Camp Rock. And even with all the simliarities, it lacked all the charisma of the Disney hit (which meant that the direction also need work).

Overall, I'd give The American Mall two thumbs down (in fact, I'd give it three if I had that many).