Movie Review: High School Musical 2

High School Musical 2 is better than the original in many ways. The songs are catchier; the characters and their voices are more developed; and the choreography, lyrics, comedy, and cinematography all take a step in the right direction. However, the sequel’s plot is largely uninspired and both its teen romance and the moral of the story are dulled considering the film revolves around a kiss more than a learning experience.

When Troy (Zac Efron) gets hired as a waiter and caddy at the Lava Springs Country Club owned by Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) and Ryan’s (Lucas Grabeel) parents, he brings Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), Chad (Corbin Bleu), Taylor (Monique Coleman), Kelsi (Olesya Rulin), Jason (Ryne Sanborn), Martha (Kaycee Stroh), and Zeke (Christopher Warren Jr.) along for the ride.

As the gang works as a lifeguard, waiter, event coordinator, entertainer, dishwasher, plate-preparer, and cook respectively, Troy quickly stands out as the star staff member with the Evans family. Plus, once he learns that Sharpay could possibly land him a basketball scholarship, Troy promises to sing a song with her at the annual talent show.

In the face of fame and fortune, Troy begins to sully his relationships with Gabriella and friends. Meanwhile, Sharpay tries to steal Troy’s love from Gabriella. But, that’s not possible; or is it? Don’t forget, “It’s summer... everything changes.”

One thing is for sure with High School Musical 2 — Sharpay has become exponentially more annoying. She now signs autographs, wears a crown, has the staff wait on her hand and foot, and sheepishly calls her mother “a back-stabbing yogi.” While all of this prissy behavior is vomit-inducing, that’s the intention, considering she is – after all – the film’s “villain.” However, more and more, Sharpay begins to resemble Eloise from the Me, Eloise series — blonde, snobby, conceited, and always looking for trouble.

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Article Author: Brandon Valentine

Brandon Valentine is a film critic from Hershey, PA. Aside from possessing the last name “Valentine” and living in “the Sweetest Place on Earth,” Brandon was also born on Valentine’s Day. That’s right, a Valentine born on Valentine’s Day. …

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  • 1 - Jordan Richardson

    Mar 03, 2008 at 1:59 pm

    This seemed an awful lot like Saved by the Bell's "summer season," but with music. I actually enjoyed it in a strange way and I agree with you that it was better than the original.

  • 2 - Brandon Valentine

    Mar 03, 2008 at 4:11 pm

    You're right Jordan! Visions of Zack and Kelly on the beach also entered my mind in the viewing process.

  • 3 - Davey

    Mar 03, 2008 at 5:38 pm

    I still haven't seen HSM2. After reading the review it makes me wonder whether I want to watch anymore. Should I still see it for the sake of it? or just steer clear? It IS better than the first from what I've heard. hmm???? well, all I do know is that I'm going to be tuning into Nickelodeon on March 29 to see if the HSM crew will win their FAVORITE VIDEO GAME nomination. Have you playet it, it's on SingStar. The awards are going to air starting at 8PM, with my favorite funny man, Jack Black. oh yeah..... can't wait to see who gets slimed.

    go to http://www.nick.com/kca for more details.

    (I got a couple of cool printables from there too)

  • 4 - sammi

    Mar 04, 2008 at 7:50 pm

    i love zac efron moree then any one in thie world lol

  • 5 - Anonymosh..

    Mar 05, 2008 at 2:31 am

    Vannessa is so pretty what a waste of time
    I use to adore hur and when I herd of nude pics
    my admoration kame to an end it sad but Im still wondering is Ashely Tisdale 26?

  • 6 - jessica

    Mar 05, 2008 at 10:26 am

    hi wuu2 i like ur new high school musical 2 book and movie

  • 7 - Jordan Richardson

    Mar 05, 2008 at 11:06 am

    Ashley Tisdale is 22, which makes her more than okay in my book.

  • 8 - chelo

    Mar 29, 2008 at 12:05 am

    vanessa and zac are so not merrid tomorrow cause
    i say they arn't ment to be together.ashley and
    zac should be marrid tomorrow they are so ment to be together forever.

  • 9 - dimple uy

    Mar 29, 2008 at 12:08 am

    i like zac and ashley because they are ment to be together.

  • 10 - chelo uy

    Mar 29, 2008 at 12:14 am

    i like it when vanessa is gone in high school musical 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and10.cause she is so over acting (o.a.).ashley is so beautiful,nice,pretty,smart,cute,fabilous,and so,so,so,so,so,so,so,so,so hot.hot like so,so,so,so,so,so,so,so,so beautiful.she should be the #1 star in the world.her voice is so sweet.

  • 11 - Ali

    Apr 18, 2008 at 4:55 pm

    All hsm cast and they wonderful singers.Doesnt matters who looks!

  • 12 - shannon

    Apr 24, 2008 at 6:06 am

    i love high school musical 2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxxxxxx

  • 13 - shannon

    Apr 24, 2008 at 6:08 am

    you are cool zae love shannon x x x x x

  • 14 - charlie

    Apr 24, 2008 at 11:45 am

    i love high school musical 2 and i love zac efron

    i like vannessa and zac they are the best and are cool i love high school musical

    love charlie harris xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  • 15 - jenna

    Apr 25, 2008 at 10:57 am

    i think zac and vannessa should be together and i so want to see them i have even got a book and clothes n magazenes and even there two sticker books and everything high school musical and zac and vannessa


    jenna your biggest fan

  • 16 - ayusha

    Apr 28, 2008 at 7:53 am

    i love zac he is really cool

  • 17 - Georgia

    Apr 30, 2008 at 11:11 am

    Zac is so cute an i'd love him so much
    x x x x x x x x x x x

  • 18 - aprilrose

    May 07, 2008 at 2:34 pm

    hi i love zac your the best and sexiest man there love you xx bye xx

  • 19 - AKSharma

    May 07, 2008 at 7:47 pm

    Hai,
    This is AKSharma,
    I want to say that this kind of moovies is inspired the person who want to do something in this little world.

    Now This is for------
    Zac Efron(Troy Bolton)--"HE IS VERY COOL PERSON"

    Vanessa Anne Hudgens(Gaabriella Montez)--"SHE IS VERY SEXY GIRL" PLEASE KEPT IT UP AND BE COUNTINUED.

    The the star case is very cool.


    Please make some part of this movies "I THINK THAT HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 1 TO 100 PART I WANT."


    I want E-mail ID(Zac and Vanessa) Please sent it to my email address.


    Thanks, your Fan following

  • 20 - LINDSAY

    May 27, 2008 at 2:05 am

    HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • 21 - kisharni

    May 27, 2008 at 5:07 am

    high school musical 2 is cool

  • 22 - BARBIE

    May 27, 2008 at 6:36 am

    SIETE STUPENDI

  • 23 - firdaus

    Jun 09, 2008 at 10:55 am

    hy zac i love you i woudent mine to date you

  • 24 - firdaus

    Jun 09, 2008 at 11:05 am

    hi vanessa you are my best act lovefrom the girls with

  • 25 - sam

    Jun 11, 2008 at 11:10 am

    I love vannnase soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooso much becaus she is fabulos and a star.


    HIGH SCHOOL MUSCAIL 2 ROCKS!!!!!!!

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