Spring Break
High School Musical 3 proves its worth
Erin Edwards
Issue date: 10/30/08 Section: Features
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This phrase has probably been screamed by millions of tween girls ready for more action by Zac Efron and his musically talented high school gang.
High School Musical 3 opened in theaters last Friday and has since been causing a pandemonium across the nation.
But is this entire ruckus truly worth the price of a ticket?
We catch back up with Troy Bolton during his final year at East High School, in which he plays his final basketball game, prepares for prom and decides where to attend college. While decisions are pondered, hearts are won over and love begins to blossom, all in tune with the soundtrack of their final senior theatre show. It all comes to a close during the final segment of their actual graduation.
It might be important to note that I had no intention of seeing this film at first. I saw the original simply by accident- I was sick for an extended period of time a year ago, and my roommate thought I might feel better if I watched teenagers singing about high school. In a bout of procrastination, I took the night off and ventured to Greenville Grande to catch a showing, just to see what the hype was all about.
I must say, the excitement proved to be worthwhile.
While many of the songs can be deemed cheesy, it is perfect for the Disney audience that this film intents to capture. From Efron and Corbin Bleu running around in a used car lot singing about how "the boys are back," to Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Gabreel taking over the school with dreams of storming Hollywood, the music proves to be more edgier than previous films, but perfect for the mature character turns that many have taken.
Of course, the shining star of the film is Efron. With boyish good looks and a crooked smile, it's definitely safe to say that Disney will soon be saying "adios" to Efron and his enormous status. He is definitely the John Travolta of our generation, with appropriate comparisons to Grease (especially in the aforementioned used car lot scene).
Tisdale also makes a name for herself. Although not as noticeable on the radar as her co-star, Tisdale is certainly a star to watch. As Sharpay, Tisdale possesses the attitude and demeanor to brilliantly portray such an egotistical character, and doesn't lack the grace and talent to effectively perform the musical numbers.
No review can be made without the mentioning of Vanessa Hudgens, especially with her scandal of nude pictures on the internet. Aside from her personal struggles, Hudgens just doesn't quite fit into the film. Aside from a voice that screams "choir girl!" one can only assume that her career will not tread far from the wonderful world of Disney.
Yet, while some stars shined and others dimmed, the film got its point across. It's a film where high school issues are examined, conflicts are created then resolved, and everyone is happy in the end. It's perfect for what this genre aims for.
Overall, it proved to be worth that pesky $7 ticket. I simply cannot hate on musicals, when I know all of the words to Rent and Grease and used to possess a strong desire to star in a Broadway hit. To be quite honest, I sometimes wish we could all break out in song and dance whenever we felt down.
Maybe even the ECU squirrels could join in on the fun.
This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com
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