Sharpay somehow manages to suck Troy into singing with her in the talent competition, based on the notion that it will help him land a college scholarship (and she mistakenly believes this will gain Troy’s affection). This temporarily alienates his friends and his lady love, thus giving Efron even more opportunities in the spotlight to flex his acting muscles. He earnestly proves his worth here, singing stronger and better than in the original and showcasing the maturity that will inevitably make him a really big star like the previously mentioned Travolta.
As in the first film, major conflicts seem to be quickly dissolved or resolved at the end. I won’t ruin the denouement for those who have not seen the film, but let it suffice to say that the overriding theme of the first movie (we’re all in this together) resonates in this sequel, and by the time we see everyone singing and dancing in a rousing finale, we can rest assured that all will be well with the East Side gang until the next sequel (if Disney can somehow find a way to lasso Efron’s rising star).
Credit must be given to all involved in this production, especially director Ortega. Obviously Disney gave him the time, money, and talent to mount a superior production, and (just as he did in the first film and Cheetah Girls 2) Mr. Ortega knows his audience and shows deference to their cultural touchstones, such as previous Disney films they have all grown up with.
The sub-textual references to all the princess movies are obvious here, with Sharpay literally in her ivory tower staring down at Gabriella and Troy, her dashing Prince Charming to be sure. No matter how much Sharpay stares into the mirror, Gabriela will still end up being the fairest of them all and manage to snag her Prince in the process. All the sprinklers in the world can’t be turned on to douse that kind of love, and Ortega not only knows that his audience understands that but he also respects it, too.
Thus, I tip my cap to all involved in making this wonderful film. It actually does more than entertain; it motivates kids (and their parents) to get up and dance and sing. Besides the aerobic benefits from all this, it’s just good, sweet fun and, in an ever more troubling world, we can all use that.
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.