I was surprised by this movie. I've read some negative stuff on how the characters are stereotypical high schoolers, and the music is good but too focused on old-school metal, and the character arcs are too obvious. Let's respond to these.

Stereotypes often exist because they are real to some degree. Hunter being an outcast because of his style choices is not an outdated concept. This continues to be truth. There are jocks, rich kids, quiet girls, snobby girls, nerds, metal-heads, all kinds of people, and they behave in relatively standard ways. Some people transcend groups or become members of more than one, like Kevin being a bit of a metal-head nerd or Kendall being a quiet member of the snobby group. Having extraordinarily complex high school students in abundance would be an exception to normal life. I have no problem with leaning on stereotypes at this age.

If the kids want to base their sound on old-school metal at the expense of newer stuff (or The White Stripes) is their prerogative. Getting offended because they don't appreciate all types of music seems foolish. Kids like what they like, and you don't have to understand. I liked the music.

I read one comment about the "douche turned respectable" trope played out. That will never be played out, because watching a character get their comeuppance or simply having a light turn on is still a basic plot line for a movie to follow. This movie, though, coupled Hunter's singular desire to have a bitchin' band with Kevin's balanced life was good for both of them in that they came to respect each other. Emily as a sweet girl that has a bit of a screw loose was a fun concept. The relationship between Hunter and Kevin's band with Clay's band was interesting, as Clay surprised me with his positive attitude. Kept waiting for that shoe to drop.

I liked the movie a lot. It will end up being a guilty pleasure, because I imagine no one else will have seen it. I loved the three main characters, especially Isis Hainsworth as Emily. I loved the music development of the band. The plot was decent enough, although I'll never know why Hunter ended up in detox, as that wasn't his problem. I enjoyed it, though, and I look forward to watching it again.