Misty, one of the young musicians featured in "Girls Rock!" (Photo by Nicole Weingart)

Although some girls have been content to say they're with the band, more intrepid ones actually want to be in the band. It's the latter group that is the subject of "Girls Rock!" an energetic documentary that shows how they go about starting to make those dreams real.

Directed by Shane King and Arne Johnson, "Girls Rock!" is set at an event called Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls that takes place every summer in a Portland, Ore., warehouse.

During a week of workshops, the girls in effect go from zeros to heroes: They learn instruments, often for the first time, form bands, write rock songs and perform them in front of an audience of 750.

The best thing about "Girls Rock!" is the passion of the girls, ages 8 to 18. Delighted to be making their mark on an area often viewed as a male preserve, these young people have an infectious energy.

Although "Girls Rock!" is nothing if not well-meaning, it doesn't always feel like the best possible film on the subject.

A major problem is this film's tendency to turn preachy. Inserted into the film at random moments is a series of what the publicity notes call "issue-driven animations." Created by visual artist Liz Canning, they push too hard in style and content.

By Kenneth Turan / Los Angeles Times