The last sequence involves a basketball game, a final audition for the musical, and an academic competition all happening at once (so arranged by the malevolent Sharpay). Troy and Gabriela (with the help of their friends who are now quickly converted and supporting their musical efforts) find a way around this, and their duet “Breaking Free” aces their roles in the play and yet does not bring down the curtain.
The finale is the finest musical moment in the film where the cast comes together, dances all over the auditorium (Troy’s team wins the trophy by the way), and sings their little hearts out. The quality and scope of the production indicates the high caliber of Ortega’s talents, and it also shows Disney’s willingness to make this a first class film that stands the test of repeated viewings.
My daughter always gets up at the end and dances all over the room. This made me recall when I went to see Dirty Dancing the first time. It has a similar top-notch finale, and I remember people literally dancing their way out of the theatre when it was over. Lucky for us, Mr. Ortega has stayed true to that kind of invigorating formula, for it works here and no doubt will continue to do so since there are two sequels planned in the near future.
It goes without saying my daughter can’t wait until the second movie debuts, but until then she can continue to enjoy the original while I keep wondering what Ortega can do to make a sequel as good as or better than this one.
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.