High School Musical

I haven’t seen this film in such a long time. I had forgotten so much about this movie. High School Musical definitely sets out what it plans to be. A movie for young people that tells them to be who they are, and enjoy what you like; don’t worry about other people. However, this message is done in a very weird way, but let's talk about the original High School Musical. 

High School Musical 2006 (140 minutes) 

The story is simple, and some of you might know it. Troy and Gabriella meet at a New Years Eve party, they sing a song, then never see each other again (very Grease by the way). Then it only turns out, Gabriella is the new girl at the school Troy happens to go to. They decided their singing together was so good, they try out for the school musical, and it sends the whole school into chaos. That’s basically it for the story. Simple, classic and gets the job done. 

As I said, it has been a while since I have watched this movie. I definitely didn’t remember all this story takes place over two weeks. Which I guess makes sense, as it makes things have more urgency. Of course, in the end everything works out. It has too, it’s a Disney movie. Of course all of this is told through dramatic and comedic scenes, and of course the music. 

As I watched this I decided to rate each of the songs in turn. Taking into consideration the song, the performance and what it adds to the story over all. What I will say, I think I am used to the soundtrack too much, as a lot of this didn’t sound right to me. Which I know does happen a lot. There seemed to be something wrong with the tempo. In some songs it sounded too slow, but that just might be the Disney+ version. 

The song ranking are as follows:

Start of Something New 3.5/5

Get'cha Head in the game 2.5/5

Something I’ve been looking for 4/5

Something I’ve been looking for Reprise 3.5/4

Stick to the status quo 4.5/5

When There Was Me and You 3/5

Bop To the Top 4/5

Breaking Free 3.5/5

We’re all in this together. 4/5 

Thing was, I knew all the songs of the movie, I forgot they are all pretty much, first half of the movie heavy. There is one in the middle and then others are reserved for right at the end. Leaving that middle bit to be lacking in the musical department. Which is something I know the second does a lot better. However, I feel like all the songs do their jobs, with only a few that are definite standouts. 

One thing I think that needs to be said, the villain of the piece isn’t that impactful to the story. As I know Sharpay is meant to be our bad guy, but she only really does two bad things. Whereas Chad and Taylor on the other hand, are such selfish assholes. They cause the main issue of the movie. What I do love is that when they realise they fucked up, they do something about it.This an overall theme that I didn’t like about the movie. Shaypay is turned up to an 11 in the following movies, and I think that's what people remember about her character. Whereas in this, she doesn't seem to be richer than anyone else. She just seems to be a girl about her musical theatre. Whereas Ryan does nothing to the story. It’s sad he could be replaced by anyone else, and it wouldn’t have an impact on the story. Which I think is what keeps this movie as an okay movie, instead of being a great one. 

Now let me go over a few things I noticed in this viewing. Gabriella be rude, I have written 3 times in my notes. Which is a recurring thing she does, just walking off when people are talking to her. And she’s meant to be one of the main protagonists? Shaypay at one point in the movie is having lunch with some random students that never come back. Troy takes the bus to school, WTF! These kids are straight up chaotic. Setting off fire alarms, and setting people up on camera. The mobile phones, all being different (that was time). Ms Darbus had a way with dealing with phones- I need to do the same. 

Overall, I think High School Musical is still good for what it is. It was a Disney Channel Original movie. If this was a cinema release, I would expect more. But for a TV kids movie, it's decent. I think for me I know this as the okay one, two is the best, and three is another okay. But you’re going to have to wait and see what I rate them, when I eventually get around to them. 

FabEs