Release Date: May 24, 2011
Rating: TV-G
Running Time: 107 minutes

This spirited, music-driven movie introduces an unlikely ensemble of five students — Olivia, Wen, Stella, Mohini and Charlie – who, after meeting in detention, gradually realize their shared musical connection and belief that it’s time for the students of Mesa High to stand up and be heard on things big and small (ranging from the school Principal’s exclusive support of the athletic programs to the removal of the popular organic lemonade from the cafeteria). Ultimately, as they open up to each other and form friendships, they start a band — Lemonade Mouth — that soon resonates with students sidelined by the high school elite. However, not everyone in the school is ready to cheer them on, especially since the popular rock group Mudslide Crush is determined to maintain their headline status and win the coveted Rising Star music competition.

Based on the book Lemonade Mouth by Mark Peter Hughes and directed by award-winning Patricia Riggen (La Misma Luna aka Under the Same Moon), executive-produced by Debra Martin Chase (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Disney Channel’s “The Cheetah Girls” movies), co-produced by Gaylyn Fraiche (Just Wright, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2) and choreographed by Chris Scott (TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance”).

Lemonade Mouth is about a group of people who meet in detention and form a band that ends up saving the school’s music program. It is not like previous Disney movie musicals. The characters are realistic, the conflicts are realistic, the story is well written, and the songs are meaningful. The only exaggerated characters are Tisha Campbell-Martin’s, the egotistical rival band, and the two mean girls. Aside from that cheesiness, this Disney film can be viewed and enjoyed by all ages. This is not High School Musical or Camp Rock. This is something that young adults and adults can genuinely enjoy right off the bat. What’s so great about this film is that it shows the good, the bad, and the ugly moments that a band encounters. While there are sparks forming between two band mates, another band mate finds herself caught in the middle when she finds out that their band’s first gig is opening for her boyfriend’s band. Then there are the individual struggles that each member faces at home. I found one of those stories to be quite moving as a father moved his girlfriend’s belongings into their home without talking with his son about having proposed to his girlfriend. Everyone has their family drama and it is played out in the most moving of ways (and very well done, I might add).

These characters are fighting to be heard and/or stay strong in their own homes while fighting to do just the same in the band for not only themselves but their school. The band is a great boost of self-esteem for every member and that takes their determination to be heard even higher than they could have ever expected. There are really so many positive messages in this film from individualism and empowerment to friendship and self expression. The narration of one character in the beginning comes full circle at the end and the revelation of why there is narration is heartwarming to say the least. Everything comes together so well in the end. The cast did a wonderful job and the writers knocked it out of the park. Hayley Kiyoko is a firecracker! Bridgit Mendler and Naomi Scott are fantastic singers. The guys did a great job as well. Round of applause for everyone involved in this project. The music is fantastic, not the least bit cheesy or overdone. This is music I would not mind adding to my collection. So having said that, I would definitely recommend that you get your copy of Lemonade Mouth today. You should probably buy two copies just in case you wear the first one out. Go ahead and pick up your copy of the book with the same name by Mark Peter Hughes as well!

Bonus Features:

Extended Music Scene (5:31 minutes) – This scene shows a talk show segment with the band where relationships within the band is the main topic of discussion. The band also plays a song, “High Wire.” The song is light and fun whereas the interview was awkward, almost cringe worthy. But definitely tune in for the musical performance!

Rock Along – Watch the film sing a long style with this feature. This feature was expected, given that the most recent Disney movie musicals have this feature on their DVDs. So make sure to take advantage of it and learn the words to your favorite Lemonade Mouth tunes!

Own Lemonade Mouth: Extended Edition on DVD today.