Disney didn't know what it was getting itself into 18 months ago with the release of the made-for-tv High School Musical. The movie was an unexpected smash hit, so much so that Disney had to scramble to get the merchandising machine churning out branded, well, everything. This go around the only real concern Disney had was whether or not the sequel would live up to the hype, and believe me, there was hype!
Have no fear, the reviews are in and High School Musical 2 is as good as promised. Director/Choreographer Kenny Ortega took it up a notch with more complex dance numbers and a change of scenery. The songs are catchy, ranging in style from hip hop to swing to pop ballad. And don't worry, the merchandise has been in the works long before the premier of the movie!
This go around Troy (Zac Efron), Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) and the rest of the Wildcats are on summer vacation and looking for jobs. A scheme hatched by the resident bad girl, Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale), lands them at the swanky Lava Springs Country Club. Packed into their summer jobs is new sports (baseball and golf), new songs, a talent show and, of course, plenty of drama. Sharpay's little brother, Ryan (Lucas Grabeel), even comes into his own.
Be on the lookout for the hip hop-swing fusion of "I Don't Dance." And "Fabulous" is Sharpay being, well, Sharpay. You'll be singing "What Time Is It" in the shower and "You Are The Music In Me" to your honey. The movie is bigger, more intense and action-packed. The only dull moments were the commercials! The music scenes (it is a musical, after all) ranged from full-on Broadway style dance numbers to more music video style solos and duets. There is definitely something for every High School Musical fan.
And just to whet your appetite, Disney has already begun work on High School Musical 3. Start saving your "bank," though. It'll be released in theaters, probably sometime in 2008. Hey, when something's a success, why not stick with it?
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