Quickie Movie Review: "High School Musical"

Rated: TV-G
Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Tisdale
Released: 2006

Synopsis: At a New Year's party, jock Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) and brainiac Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) are thrust into the spotlight as they perform a duet.  To their surprise, they discover that they can sing well...especially together.  A job transfer lands Gabriella at East High, where Troy is big man on campus, thanks to his status as a basketball star.  They learn of an upcoming musicale at their school...but are afraid to try out; they think it's just not them.  After they muster up the courage to audition, the school's theater director likes what she sees...but reigning school diva Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) and her brother and partner in crime, Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) will stop at nothing to prevent Troy and Gabriella from taking the top spot in the upcoming production.  Who will win?

My Review: This is the film that launched an empire!  Since its release nearly a decade ago, DVDs of this movie, its sequels, and other spin-off films, as well as CD soundtracks, books, and other tie-in media have sold in the millions.  As usual, I'm a bit late to the party, but I don't think I would have enjoyed this when it came out, as much as I loved the Disney Channel back then.  As for the movie itself, it's nothing terribly amazing, but it is good for what it is.  It's very cute and innocent, and some of the songs are rather catchy.  If you haven't already seen this--surely there's someone else out there who has yet to watch it--it's worth a rental to see what the franchise is all about.

Content Concerns:

Sex: Some mildly suggestive dance moves; one innocent kiss. 4.5/5
Nudity: Shirtless guys; girls/women in low-cut or off-the-shoulder tops. 4/5
Language: None. 5/5
Violence: None. 5/5
Drugs: None. 5/5
Frightening/Intense Scenes: None. 5/5
Other: Some dirty tricks are played. 4/5

Score: 3.5/5