When I first reviewed the original Disney movie High School Musical, I had no idea what I was getting into. Before I watched it, I believed (rather naively I might add) that this was going to be just another TV movie concocted for kids, some pabulum-like entertainment that wouldn’t hold my interest.
Boy, was I wrong, and then some. The first film was intelligent and fast-paced, with bright young actors and actresses who brought out the best in the music and dance numbers. Repeated viewings didn’t lessen how much I enjoyed the film, and since my daughter (now six) has watched it at least twenty times since its premiere, I’ve had plenty of time to absorb the overall message of the film and understand its lasting impact.
Of course, along the way, it became a cultural powerhouse that has affected people of all ages. Students everywhere are putting on their own versions of the film in school productions, and the concept of “musical theater” is now more popular than it has been since John Travolta strutted his stuff in Grease (1978). My daughter understood right from the start that this was something bigger than “big,” just the way I did when I sat on the living room floor and stared in excited wonder at the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show while my parents felt they were nothing more than a flash in the pan. Yeah, right!
After my first review received over 2,500 comments (and still counting), I realized that High School Musical was a Disney juggernaut comparable in some ways to the success of the Fab Four with tweens and pre-tweens like my daughter. Anything somehow related to the movie (posters, lunchboxes, backpacks, pajamas, T-shirts, toys, etc.) was selling out fast and, as the young stars made the rounds on talk shows and other appearances, the squealing girls certainly reminded me of that Beatles phenomenon from my youth.
With my skepticism thrown to the wind, this time I was enthusiastically on board for the exciting ride and my daughter and I watched the movie together as I sat with pen and pad in hand. I can happily announce that director Kenny Ortega and his singing and dancing minions (all the original cast returns, even Zac Efron with slightly darker hair from his tour of duty in Hairspray) deliver a slam-dunk sequel that in some ways is even better than the original (and I don’t think I’ve said that since... gulp... Godfather II).
Article comments
1 - Danyce Seney
I think all kids and parents should petition Disney Channel to make High School Musical into a weekly series....It is fast paced, fun and does teach the kids values. I even enjoy it as a 30+ adult with a college degree and career. It is something I can do with my kids and songs we can sing together. Unfortunately, there is no way to provide feedback to Disney about this. They would profit more from a weekly series than a concert tour. More parents would subscribe to the channel.....more kids would watch all the programs......rather than just teens ansd tweens being allowed to go to a concert.
how can we get Disney Channel to listen?
2 - Emma
I liked both movies just the same.
3 - Victor Lana
Danyce, maybe we will get a weekly show, but it would no doubt star a completely different cast, which might not be so bad. By then maybe the Sprouse twins will be old enough for one to play Troy.
4 - Kate
i love the movies!! i watched them like 40 times each now and i just cant stop!!! do you think that there will be a hsm 3 and 4 and so on???
5 - Kristi
Kate,
There is a 3rd High School Musical coming out next year, and it may be in theaters. The plot is going to be their Senior prom and gradutation. Im not sure about a 4th one.
6 - John
Thank goodness there are finally some excellent role models for our kids. These movies deal with real life growing up situations, fitting in, being your best, reaching for the stars. We don't get inundated with sex and violence, political messages or commercial endorsements. What we get are clean cut kids from all walks of life. The clothing the kids wear is excellent and parent approved. No bikinis in this movie, no cleavage, no baggy clothing, no tattos. It shows girls can be strong leaders and anyone is capable of standing up for themselves. Places kids on equal levels no matter their standing.
"I Can't Dance" was the showstopper. How does a kid wear bright white clothes on a clay baseball field and not get dirty? It must be the Disney magic and there is lots of it in this movie.
We had to stop our vacation and actually leave a theme park early because my kids wanted to see this movie so badly. It was well worth it!
Thank you Mickey Mouse!
7 - Josh Lasser
Congratulations! This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States.
8 - Victor Lana
Thanks, Josh, this kind of opportunity is always appreciated.
Oh, and John, I believe old Walt would be pleased with entertainment like HSM 1 & 2. I certainly like this kind of thing for my daughter.
9 - Annabella
Both movies are ah-mazing! And I think Zac Efron is my dream guy. He is ADORABLE!!!! Who agrees?
10 - Victor Lana
My daughter agrees, Annabella. She's only 6, but I'm sure lots of other girls (of various ages) feel the same way. Of course, the boys have Vanessa and Ashley to keep them busy. It's like the old "beach blanket" movies of the 50s & 60s in a way, but the formula still works.
11 - Thuy
I REALY LIKE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2.BECASE IT SO GREAT AND THE SONG OF THAT SO GREAT,TOO
12 - Victor Lana
I have heard the soundtrack over and over (my daughter likes it played in the car), and the songs are just as catchy as in the first film. I do think here that that the lyrics are particularly poignant and, as I point out in the above review, it seems crafted for those people who believe in the Disney mantra: once upon a time, wishing upon a star, and even whistling while one works.
Hey, all I know is my daughter loved it and I really enjoyed it too.
13 - kat
im loving this movie!!!
slightly embarassed to admit it in uni though
i wish i could randomly burst into song as well
14 - Victor Lana
Don't be embarrased, Kat, because the film is good fun and, just like visiting Disney theme parks, becomes infectious making repeated viewing a must. What time is it? I think time to watch it again. Enjoy!
15 - Alia
Ilove HSM Alot
16 - Briony.Jamieson
I love you movies and troy is so hot and I wanted to no if you would like to hang out and I am 16
and how old are you so if you do 6:00clock tell me
were at love ya troy
17 - lee
when is hsm 2 going to show again?
18 - Shelly P
I think Troy is sooo sexy! I would for sure give him whatever physical action he wants!!! LOL....ceo for now HSM fans...
19 - ajla
When it comes to great movies for children who are younger, HSM 1 & 2 did the trick. The movies were beyond what I imagined it would be. They were teaching kids life lessons,and values while having fun. I think High School Musical should beyond further then just movies and concerts however, they should go maybe episodes airing on Disney Channel. Me as a young teenager look up to these kinds of movies. Honestly I wouldn't recommend anything else for my siblings then what Disney has to offer
20 - Victor Lana
Thanks for the comment, Ajla. I guess you're officially excited about "Camp Rock" (well, at least I know that my daughter is). Keep enjoying these movies and shows and watching them with your siblings. That's wonderful.