Here is the thing about high school – it was great while it lasted but now it’s over. So why would any self-respecting college student pay money to see people older than us masquerading as high schoolers? Who knows but they really should go.
The boys and girls of East High are back and as promised bigger than ever in “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” This time the Wildcat colors red and white drape the silver screen in the franchise’s first feature film release.
Rocking out to a summer job together at the country club of starlet Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) and her sexually ambiguous twin Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) The Wildcats tackle their biggest feat yet (which the illustrious title probably gives away) – senior year. And to add pressure to the entire situation have to do it in song – a last hurrah to what bonded them together.
Cue the typical high school conundrums: As Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) plans for Stanford University and her boyfriend Troy (Zac Efron) ponders life and existence as a basketball star and performer their relationship hangs in the abyss. In addition Sharpay with dreams of her name in lights needs to make a great impression to realize her dreams on the stage. And topping it off the gang must prepare for prom – the night of nights.
If one does not want to watch “HSM3” and take it seriously there are plenty of ways to enjoy this cultural phenomenon of a film. Try playing the game “Brought To You By.” Try to spot the most product placements such as Sharpay’s “fabulous” pink convertible and Gabriella’s Mini Honda Dell and Juicy Couture. In the true American way of eminent domain – the domain being the audience – Disney knows if there is a cash cow to be had it better be milked. Even Stanford Berkeley Yale and Juilliard got shout outs. A missed opportunity Pepperdine – get your head in the game.
“HSM3” is also a good laugh. Musicals tend to have those awkward moments before the characters start the song and after they finish and “HSM3” is no exception.
Within the standards of the “HSM” franchise “Senior Year” was epic visually out – maneuvering the two preceding.
Case in point Efron’s physique. With gratuitous partial nudity highlighted by the ever-present baby oil and accidental oops-I-did-it-again flexing there is enough Zac to make anyone forget the movie is rated “G.” It is for “abs”-olutely anyone. Oh yes and the dancing – the dancing was good.
In all honesty the choreography was impressive. From a super cute waltz in “Can I have this Dance” to the dizzyingly awesome salvage yard number “The Boys are Back the pure entertainment value of the music and dance makes one appreciate the work that went into the production and makes the ticket worth the money.
Keep in mind that this movie is designed with a fan base of individuals ranging from 7 to 49, and they’re not aiming for an Academy Award here. So, expect clichés, such as lines like, You might be able to get along without East High but East High can’t get along without you or Once a Wildcat always a Wildcat.” Wow.
“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” makes the grade and fans can look forward to a fourth installment soon sans most of the original cast – no super seniors here. The new characters introduced: a British transfer student named Tiara Gold (Jemma McKenzie-Brown) and best friends Jimmie “The Rocket man” Zara (Matt Prokop) and Donny Dion (Justin Martin.) We’ll just have to wait to see what happens next.