Since I’ve watched Disney’s High School Musical numerous times thanks to my daughter’s obsession with this TV movie, I have been thinking about its impact on her and the other children (ages 4-14) who have made it so popular. There is something very addictive about it because she cannot get enough of the songs, the stars, and the dancing. So what magic formula makes this movie so appealing?
Directed by Kenny Ortega, whose credits as a choreographer include Dirty Dancing, Newsies, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and the Opening Ceremony of the 2002 Olympics, the movie tells the very timeless tale of Boy Meets Girl. The clever thing about it is the almost seamless way the music is integrated into the action, along with the truly amazing dance numbers, which creates a vibrancy and earnestness that appeals to the senses and the heart.
In many ways High School Musical combines thematic links to Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story, but there is no tragedy to be found here. Troy Bolton (played by Zac Efron doing his best David Cassidy impression) and Gabriella Montez (a lovely Vanessa Anne Hudgens who looks like a young Natalie Wood) meet across a crowded room like Juliet and her Romeo while on a family vacation. They are pushed into a karaoke situation where they almost immediately drop their initial shyness and sing their hearts out while exchanging expressions of attraction. This leads to a romantic New Year’s Eve at midnight countdown, but our (star-crossed?) lovers do not kiss; instead, they stare up into the sky and watch fireworks (which mirrors what’s happening inside their hearts).
Back in the real world of Albequerque, New Mexico (the movie was actually filmed in Utah), Troy returns to school the conquering hero, beloved by all as the leader of the basketball team and all around good guy. Greeted by Chad (Corbin Bleu), his ersatz Mercutio, Troy is swept back into school by cheerleaders and teammates who are joyous with the notion that their team will win the big game.
Waiting in the wings for Troy are the brother-sister villains Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) and Ryan Evans (Lucas Grabeel), who are no real threat but do provide some conflict in the story. They have starred together in school plays since Kindergarten and control the school’s Drama Club, and thus the attentions of teacher/director Mrs. Darbus (played by Alyson Reed with an appropriate over-the-top flair). Sharpay obviously has an attraction to Troy, but his head has already been turned by Gabriela, who just so happens to have registered in East High School that very day.
If you’re expecting dance numbers with opposing gangs like the Sharks and Jets, forget about it; this is a Disney version of high school. Ryan is no Tybalt or Bernado, and there isn’t a chance in the Magic Kingdom that Gabriela will end up like Juliet, nor will she ever have an opportunity to speak Maria’s (Natalie Wood) immortal line “How do you work this gun, Chino?” No, this is homogenized and pasteurized for our viewing pleasure, and that’s exactly what the kids like about it. The threats are minimal at best but are there to promote some sort of dynamic that will make their little hearts flutter, because they know that Troy and Gabriela belong together and will be happy despite the obstacles, however miniscule, that are in their way.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - zac efron
i love zac efron hes so hot!!!!!!
2 - i love high school musical
i am upsessed with high school musical it is the best movie ever!!!! i know every dance move from the opening song to the finalie!! I think this is a very fun movie but teaches you to break out of your shell.
im addicted 2 it!!
3 - maddi
zac efron is my boyfriend
4 - Sterfish
Great review, Victor!
5 - Victor Lana
Thanks, Sterfish, I appreciate your review as well. Oh, and thanks to the "cast" for their comments.
6 - Gary
Excellent Review!
I agree with your review of this movie.
I have been a fan of Disney since I was kid.
It's very refreshing to see and hear what an impact it has had on kids as well as adults.
Hats off to Zac, Vanessa, Ashley and Lucas for there work in the movie and also the singing, the soundtrack is great.
Look forward to the next movie.
7 - ERIN
ZACKARY YOU ARE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MINE
8 - ERI N AND ZAC
WERE GOING TO GET MARRIED ZAC
9 - SHATAY
MY FRIEND ERIN REALLY LOVES YOU SHE SAID THAT YOU ARE GOING TO GET MARRIED WITH HER!
10 - Victor Lana
The enthusiasm for this movie is not surprising to me. My daughter and her seven cousins (ranging from 4 to 16 years of age) all are crazy about it. There is something universally appealing about the formula, though I have heard many adults simply dismiss it as trite or whatever.
This reminds me of what the adults were saying about the Beatles back in 1964 (that they were flashes in the pan, etc.). In matters such as these "the kids" always know better.
11 - Adeline
I wanted to say, great movie. I loved it, i have seen it everytime its great. Im in HS and i have never seen a Disney movie and music get so popular to 17 and 18 year old girls and boys. The boys loved it also( Mainly ones that had younger sisters). Great Movie cant wait till the sequel. I', 15 and all the private schools love the songs!!! keep the were soring were flying in the sequel. It was really great i dont say that often either at least not for Disney.
12 - Sexy Me
OMG...this movie was so good! My boyfriends Jordan and I watched it together and he even loved it! Can't wait to see Zac shake his thang again in the sequal
ILUVUZAC
13 - whitney hook
you have a great movie. i love how you put singing and dancing in the moving because those are my favorite things to do. Troy and Ryan are cute. Gabrilla and Sharpa are very prety. i can't wait to see a nother disney show directed by you.
14 - Vanessa
My friend Paula is obessed with High School Musical and she loves Zac efron so much she nkows everything about Zac efron. Mostly everyone in my school loves High school Musical and at my school we have a talent show and mostly everyone singing or dancing the moves to High School Musical.
15 - Jennifer Matthews
I love Zac Efron so much and I think that the movie is so great!I know all the songs and dances to the movie! and my brother is obsest with Ashley Tisdale so much its not even funny!!! But i love ZAC EFRON he is so HOT and so FINE!!!!
16 - demi
zac efron is not hot at all good charlotte is so much better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
17 - Jennifer Matthews
ok good charlotte doesn't suck or anything but my friend here is just not Zac's type you know what i mean. I LOVE ZAC EFRON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
18 - Chelsea
IThink Zac Efron Is So Hot! Who Ever Insluts Him Is Not My Friend. They Would Be My Arch Enmy.Oh My Gosh He Is So Hot. My Friend Lauren Is Obsessed With Too. How Could Anyone Not Be? He Is Totally My Man!
19 - Joanie
Congrats! This review has been placed on Advance.net
20 - Victor Lana
Joanie, thanks for letting me know.
21 - -E
Congrats again Victor! This has been selected as an Editor Pick for the week.
22 - Victor Lana
Thanks, Erin, I always appreciate being included as an Editor's Pick.
23 - abby
zac efron is mine. he's mine. i don't like what this chealse girl is doing no way she can never have a chance with him he is my hottie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and no one elses but mine .
24 - sofia
hi my name is sofia!i love your movie.i am your 1rst fan.
25 - Victor Lana
Judging from what I read here in the comments, Mr. Efron has a bright future for himself. I think the other members of the cast will probably do very well too.