High School Musical 2 (2007 TV Movie) User Reviews

OK singing and dancing, unconvincing plot

[floofloo · 5/10 · 15 August 2007]

I loved the first high school musical film so I paid for the on demand to see this sequel earlier. However, it wasn't up to my expectation.

Surely there were new outfits(including bathing suits), larger stage sets, better choreography, and various styles of songs. So it was not bad if you just want to see more singing and dancing, or if you are fans that only expect to see them again.

But I felt there was something lacking. I sensed more of showing off other than real passionate acting in there (Well, it must be hard to do so after they become famous), which made the characters pop out of the story and become unreal. And the plot (especially the ending) was dry and unconvincing, making it even worse.

HERE STARTS THE SPOILER -------------------------------------------

Firstly, the setting in the resort country club wasn't indeed necessary. It doesn't need to be in the country club to play base ball, swimming, or join a talent show. And the golf scenes actually made the plot weaker because it is hard to believe that Troy was "naturally" gifted in golf as well. Come on, he is a human after all. Making everyone else play stupidly wouldn't make him more like a genius. On the other hand, Sharpay's make up reminds me nothing more than Paris Hilton, especially her sun glasses and hair styles. And it is so sad to see that supporting roles didn't have chance to show their own personalities at all this time.

The major weakness is the ending. By the time I saw Troy coming back to talk to Sharpay, I was expecting Sharpay and Troy to sing together then Ryan and Gabriella. But no, Sharpay and Ryan has nothing to do with it in the end. Ryan asked Troy to do a favor for Sharpay, which turned out to be just another revenge to his sister, as if rejecting her in face was not enough. He directed the show knowing Troy wouldn't be singing, then in another split second he suddenly gave his role to Troy graciously and left himself out of it. And most interestingly, Sharpy, who was abandoned by Troy, rejected by Ryan, then tricked by troy again to believe she would have a chance to sing, end up finding herself kicked out. After all these, she was still amazingly happy and felt thankful to her brother. Well,not even Pairs Hilton would be this dumb.

It can't be clearer that such a plot only wanted to show that this film was all about Troy and Gabriella, nobody else dares to sing in the closing show. OK, I get it.

Now with added fan-service....and less sense or believability

[Saravelda · 4/10 · 18 August 2007]

I was a big fan of the first High School Musical. It wasn't the best thing in the world, but the music was, if nothing else, fun and so was the movie.

I give Disney points for the music. I know many didn't like the music in this installment at all, but I personally found it better than the first. However, the music is different this time around- more to my taste and less to others. It all depends on your taste in music.

The movie itself- Disney tried far too hard. I think I got that idea when I saw Sharpay's musical number with the pink piano in the swimming pool. Any character development at all (which lets face it, wasn't a lot) that was made in the first movie was completely undermined. Sharpay wasn't an airhead, she was just self-centered. She's both in this movie. Gabriella was a sweet, optimistic, intelligent girl. They made her bubbly beyond reason. The only person that really had any real character development was Ryan. I give them points for the character development of Ryan.

The story gave a whole new meaning to the word cliché. And there were several moments that the story just doesn't make sense at all. When or why did Gabriella decide to go back to Troy? We don't know! We don't see her or hear from her at all between her little "goodbye" number and the talent show! We're just left to assume that she found out that Troy's made this overnight (literally) change from super-jerk to team player again. It makes no cinematic sense. And neither did the placing of most songs. Instead of "I think I hear a song coming on", the audiences should have been thinking. "Where the heck did THAT song come from?"

I'm not even going to elaborate on how Troy's "angst on a golf course" song and 'dance' looked like an over-dramatic bad music video of nothing but drama poses. And we didn't need another movie to watch Ashley Tisdale dance around in her bathing suits/Paris Hilton-esquire dresses and to watch Zac Efron take off his shirt. Yay for added fan-service? (please note the heavy sarcasm).

The title "High School Musical" makes no sense when applied to this movie. This movie is not about high school. Nor is it about a musical. It's a mishmash of over-the-top acting interrupted by random songs. Long story short. The music was better. The movie was FAR worse.

Sharpay saves this film!

[aleusong · 6/10 · 17 August 2008]

"High School Musical" was a fun classic film. It's such a terrible shame that Disney is milking the franchise for all it's worth because it will only hurt the franchise more in the end.

I don't blame Disney for doing a sequel. The story and character development though is a bit stale and cliché, like being in dull standard DCOM territory. I've been listening to the soundtrack to this film nonstop before I finally saw the movie and it is the best soundtrack ever. However the actual performance of these songs in the film is less to be desired.

"What Time Is It?" and "Work This Out" were the worst musical sequences in matters of dance and direction. They're good songs on the soundtrack but on screen I was like...ugh...Troy's dancing! I think you can do more visually with these musical numbers then see Troy do bad break dancing in one spot for a whole 3 minutes! "What Time Is It?" was just ridiculous and over the top given that this is coming fresh off of HSM which had more genuine and more realistic musical numbers. Here it is just like "the music is playing everyone start doing a ridiculous dance infront of the camera!" As I said about story and characters, they're not so great as the original but you just need to have fun with it as even more unrealistic as this film is compared to the film.

I will say this: Sharpay was evil and became more of a stereotypical snobby blonde character in this film as she attempts to steal Troy from Gabriella, but goddamit SHARPAY IS AWESOME IN THIS MOVIE!!! All the other characters in the film were a bit more "smug" in this film (much to my annoyance) but Sharpay was just fun and hilarious in her attempts to steal Troy. And it was good to see more development with Ryan's character.

All in all, the soundtrack to the movie is actually better than the movie itself. Though, I enjoyed this film as bad it probably is, mainly because of Sharpay's character. The story and musical numbers became less annoying near the end. If you're a fan you might as well watch and just have fun with it. It ain't the best but I'd rather watch this again than "Camp Rock".

Michael Angelo wishes he could create the masterpiece that this movie was

[aimeedreux · 27 September 2019]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, High School Musical 2 is the greatest cinematic achievement of all time. If Beethoven wasn't deaf nor dead he would cry in awe of the beauty of its classic hits such as: Bet On It, Gotta Go My Own Way, Fabulous and more, knowing he would never be able to compare. Zac Efron changed the film industry with his performance in this film, inspiring millions world wide. To say that High School Musical 2 is not the greatest achievement of humanity would be heresy and would result in the Pope breaking down your door and presenting you with a 56 hour powerpoint presentation on the epic highs and lows of High School Musical 2. Sharpay and Ryan Evans are perhaps the most culturally important characters to ever be portrayed, possessing such a high level of icon behaviour that if aliens were to land in my backyard and ask me to take them to my leaders I'd simply show them High School Musical 2. In conclusion no words can ever sum up the sheer genius of this film but if you haven't already seen it (like a fool) then watching it should be next up on your agenda.

The greatest movie of all time! For people in comas.

[DawnofRebellion · 1/10 · 30 August 2007]

I saw the first High School Musical just after it came out hearing rave reviews and i thought it might be at least interesting. I was wrong, after about 40 mins of watching I would have rather ripped off my own ears and set them on fire than watch for another minute. I had absolutely no intention of watching this sequel but I was asked to by my sister on her birthday so I did. If I had poison handy I would have taken it without a second's hesitation. It was literally the worst "movie" I have ever seen. Don;t get me wrong I enjoy musicals very much, this had the worst songs and most obvious lip-syncing I have ever seen. The dance moves were similar to what you might expect from some backup dancer for Jessica Simpson. What I hate more than this movie (if that's even possible) is the fans. The true fans are the most moronic people I have ever met. Using no logic to backup their arguments of why this movie was so amazing other than 'OMG How can you say High School Musical sucked?? Zac Efron is lyke so kute! I just wanna hug him forever!' I could care less how cute an actor is that does not excuse the horrible monstrous atrocity that is High School Musical! Please for your sake DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE!

Danger! America's IQ is dropping!

[soitgoes5 · 1/10 · 15 June 2008]

Okay, so the day the first High School Musical came out I watched a documentary on PBS instead, so I had no idea what horrors were going on at Disney Channel until the next day at school. I stepped into class and WHAM! I hear everyone belting out "We're soarin', flyin'," and "We're all in this together!" and I was like, "What the heck are you guys singing?" and in unison they cried, "High School Musical!" and I could literally see America's IQ was falling. So I decided to see it for my self, and I must say I was sickened by the time they got to, "Stick to the Status Quo." No song should actually tell you to be average. I was disgusted by all the actors, especially Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale, who seemed to have no brains at all, for bringing this message to the world. And now High School Musical 2. Even worse than the first. It's completely devoid of any intelligence. And don't think I'm some teenager watching R-rated horror movies-I'm a twelve-year-old watching R-rated Oscar winners. I'm not saying parents have to let their kids watch Silence of the Lambs instead of High School Musical-but please, at least let them watch decent musicals/movies, like The Sound of Music or Dr. Strangelove (which is not a musical but still great-and rated PG! Don't say your kids won't get the jokes either-I got them when I was seven!) or maybe Singing in the Rain. Not this crud. Do you really want your kids watching airheaded rich kids complain about their boyfriends/girlfriends and how terrible their lives are? I didn't think so. Please, save America's movie reputation by bringing and end to High School Musical!!!

"Bet On It" is a certified good time!

[jace_the_film_guy · 7/10 · 14 September 2021]

High School Musical 2 is a bright and exciting sequel to an already energized franchise. With stronger production value, solid choreography, and a highly likable cast, HSM2 delivered exactly what fans expected. While the songs in this film lack the instant recognition of those in the first, it was nice to hear Zac Efron's actual singing voice rather than have it dubbed.

In the end, this film added great character depth and focused on the hard decisions surrounding priorities. With low stakes and a carefree summer attitude, High School Musical 2 is a good transition point from the first film's discovery to the big choices in the finale. Also, "Bet On It" is a certified good time!

I think Disney tried too hard.

[pomorandza_alisa · 3/10 · 18 August 2007]

HSM 1 was really good. I guess they didn't expect it to be such a such a success and didn't really mind that much how it turned out. That's why it all went wrong with HSM 2, Disney tried so hard not to make it the exact same things as the first movie, that they made it in too something worse. Don't get me wrong though, it was a good thing that they didn't make it in to the same thing, but the songs were bad and it just doesn't seem to live up to the first movie. So here's my opinion; I'm going to tell you the good things about the movie, and I'm going to tell you exactly what's wrong with it.

Let's start with the characters: Sharpay Evans turned into a squeaky voiced, annoying girl. Her crush on Troy was a good thing for the movie, though. And in the end, she turned out pretty nice. Troy Bolton was selfish and didn't care much for his friends during the movie. Gabriella Montez was OK, but way better in HSM.

next...

The idea of Summer was nice, and good for a change... but the talent contest thing was exactly the same thing as the musical at East High.

Also, I love the fact that they focused more on Ryan Evans, who has to take a lot of crap from his sister Sharpay. He was very deserving of the award, and I'm glad his sister finally realized that her brother works way harder than she does.

So, I'm glad I watched HSM 2, for Ryan's sake. But, HSM 2 will never live up to HSM, and I doubt there will be an HSM 3. High School Musical was a movie meant to have no sequel. It ended great, and Disney should have kept it at that. I'm sorry to say this, but I find HSM 2 a very bad movie and by all means do not watch it... unless you care for Ryan Evans, who's clearly more talented then all of East High.

Even Better Songs/Dances Push This Film Past Its Predecessor

[zkonedog · 10/10 · 12 March 2017]

Though most film sequels fail to live up to the originality of their predecessor, High School Musical 2 is the rare film able to actually eclipse its first effort.

This time, the plot sees the East High crew all land jobs at a fancy country club (owned by Sharpay Evans' rich father). While trying to manage work and summer funtime activities, Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) sees his relationship with Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) fray to perhaps the breaking point, while of course Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) seems to be the schemer behind everything.

Another simple plot, to be sure, but what really establishes this film as a notch above the first one is the much more imaginative song and dance numbers. "I Don't Dance", featuring the entertaining talents of Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel, will strike a chord with sports fans, while both numbers featuring Tisdale's Sharpay ("Humu Humu" and the upbeat "You Are The Music In Me") will leave you feeling as if you are at a Broadway or Branson stage show production.

Though hesitant to subordinate any of HSM 2's cast members, as they all bring something different to the table, I think that Tisdale possesses the most raw singing/dancing/acting talent, and thus a prolonged focus on her character does this film good. Her songs are always the most show-stopping of any HSM movie, and her completely over-the-top portrayal of Sharpay is a riot!

So never fear fans of the original HSM...this second effort will keep you singing and dancing long after the TV is turned off. Plus, though I highly recommend viewing the first film, newcomers to the series do not need to see "part one" in order to fully appreciate "part two".

Where's the hype?

[departed07 · 6/10 · 11 November 2007]

After the success of the 2006 wildly popular Disney Channel TV movie, High School Musical, a phenomenon took place on the horizon where not only did the film made theater cool what Harry Potter did for reading books and magic, but it also launched the number one soundtrack of the year followed by concerts and world tours. Yet, a sequel was inevitable and it doesn't have the same flow as the original.

High School Musical 2 takes place a year after Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) became an item to the school where now its summer time with the majority of all the East High Wildcats having plans for summer jobs. Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) and her dweeby brother Ryan (Lucas Grabrel) have plans for the summer with the bratty sister wanting her eyes on the prize: Troy. She'll do anything to get it, even if it means hiring Troy at a country club where he'll work if he can get the East High Cats to work there also, including friends Chad (Corbin Bleu), Taylor (Monique Coleman), Kelsi (Olesya Rulin) and his sweetie, Gabriella.

The good: Ashley Tisdale's performance was gritty and did not change one bit throughout the film as the evil Sharpey Evans. To be honest, it is the best performance out of film compared to on looker Zac Efron.

The OK: The soundtrack itself isn't the same as the original though only a couple of songs are worth hearing from Ashley Tisdale's "Fabolous" to the duet of Zanessa (Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens) Gotta Go My Own Way.

The Bad: In my opinion the film would've been better if everybody including the protagonist (Zac) had better screen time like in the original movie. Even during the conflicts all of the major characters from Gabriella, Taylor and Chad have little less screen time and giving them sappy lines where in the end, all is forgiven.

To Conclude: Maybe the third movie will be the charm.

Completely unnecessary, badly written, and an unfortunate display of the Disney Channel's downward spiral

[randomspontaneity · 1/10 · 22 August 2007]

I really wish I could think of this movie in a way other than negatively.

I cannot stand sequels in general, and this one, I must say, was one of the most pointless. High School Musical centered around...well, just that. High School Musical 2 had nothing to do with a musical; it was simply a group of almost-juniors (or whatever grade they're in) getting summer jobs with each other and the issues they face with the jobs. Sure, there was a performance at the end, but that doesn't make up for the absence of the movie's namesake. The plot line was bland and really predictable: Jealous girl loves cute guy who's into another girl, so jealous girl gets angry and goes out of her way to make sure the relationship fails, but jealous girl's plan blows up in her face. Have we not seen that enough in our own lives? I was not thrilled to learn that a High School Musical 2 was being made, but I decided to give it a chance anyway. After viewing the movie, all I can say is this: HSM2 is just another example of how Disney Channel has evolved from a decent channel to a complete wreck.

The one good thing of this movie was Ashley Tisdale's performance; she got the character of Sharpay spot-on. (Edit: After being forced to watch the movie multiple times over, I have "repealed" my statement on Ashley Tisdale's performance: She went completely over the top. No one acts like that; it's not even CLOSE to realistic. She's like a slightly smarter, more catty version of Paris Hilton.)

A very unfortunate 1/10.

peak cinema

[bryncess · 10/10 · 6 March 2022]

This is unironically the best film ever created that I have been able to view. Outstanding music, incredible story, and unbelievable special effects. Had me tearing up at the end. After watching, my life hasn't been the same. I listen to the soundtrack on a daily basis. The baseball scene is actually the best thing to lay my eyes upon. Best in the series.

Not quite as magical as the first, but can stand on its own.

[MeloDee · 7/10 · 21 August 2007]

High School Musical 2, like its predecessor, is set in the season of its release- namely, summer (last time it was winter). The movie begins with drama teacher Miss Darbus droning on in the classroom. The kids began to chant "summer" as the clock slowly counted down to 3 PM. Then they threw their papers in the air around a slightly uncomfortable Troy Bolton, and began singing what I consider the worst song of the film- "What Time Is It?" Which should have been called "What Time Is It? I Think This Song Is Lasting Forever." Upon the initial viewing, this movie seemed kind of...oh, how do you say? Rushed. There were about 10 songs (including remixes) versus the 9 in the first movie, but the way they were presented made them feel a little smooshed together. For example, there are 3 full-length songs within the first twenty minutes. As a person who hadn't been watching Disney Channel incessantly before the film's premiere to familiarize myself with the songs, I felt that they were coming at me so fast (sometimes) that I couldn't fully enjoy them.

So I watched the movie again, the very next day.

That's when I realized, that many of the songs were not as memorable as they had been in the first movie. I wasn't singing "You Are the Music in Me" the way I had been singing "What I've Been Looking For". Most are excellent in the movie, but many don't seem quite as catchy or stick with you quite as well when you're away from the TV. In that way, the producers struck out. "What Time Is It?" wasn't enjoyed by me any more the second time around than it was the first.

I've heard the opinion more than once that HSM 2 was a better movie than the original. The excuse is that the characters "matured" in this film and it is about growing up. I am inclined to disagreement with that angle. What I liked about the first movie is that everything was fresh. Troy and Gabriella were just starting to get to know each other and to recognize their love for singing, and the awkward moments and building chemistry were absolutely adorable to watch. Their "friends" misunderstood so much, that they tried to change them.

A film about them maturing and growing up would have been great- if that film had genuinely existed. HSM has never been loved for a strong plot, so it's no surprise that although there's now a new focus on college and the future, it's more than a little misrepresented. In the end, a lot of weight was put on living in the moment. True, we should remember to keep our friends close even though the future might cause us to go our separate ways, but I felt that the movie didn't communicate this message in a realistic context.

When it came to the characters growing, it was clear that some people didn't learn anything- namely Troy's "best friend" Chad. Though even Sharpay showed some unexpected goodness in the movie, Chad was more-or-less the same self-righteous jerk that he was in the first movie. Back then, he spearheaded the effort to change Troy by distracting him from singing. Now, in the name of keeping Troy from changing into someone else, he gives him the cold shoulder and offers no understanding at all. Chad might have been wise to realize that although he was saving for a car, Troy was aiming to get a college scholarship. His motives might have been noble and Troy a bit misguided, but his attitude was nothing less than aggravating. What's new, though? Ryan was one of the characters that went throughout the most growth in the movie. The "dumb slave" persona that he had in the first movie was really amusing, but it was also good to see him coming into his own in High School Musical 2 as a more developed and rounded character.

Even though there were definitely cheesy moments in the film- namely, all the talk about "changes" and "saving the summer" sounding kind of like a little kid's book- there were definitely redemptive moments too. The similarities between it and the first movie aren't really too hard to miss, but I found myself liking them rather than feeling like I was seeing the same film all over again. Gabriella has another (kind of) solo, Troy has to make a hard decision- only this time he makes it with no guarantee of being able to compromise. Sharpay is her usual self again remixing one of the songs to fit her own liking. Only this time, she is even more funny than before. Her songs were among my favorites.

Though in the end, when Zac Effron and Vanessa Anne Hudgens came together to sing, the magic really happened. No matter how cheesy the line I just heard was, I loved those moments.

There's also something new this time around. Troy has a solo- coincidentally one of the best songs of the movie- and Lucas Grabeel and Corbin Bleu come together to sing "I Don't Dance", a song where swing dancing, hip-hop, and baseball come together to make something great and original. Freshest moment(s) of the film, definitely.

So in the end, we have an interesting paradox. In some ways, High School Musical 2 doesn't have the magic of the first. Yet at the same time, I can watch it again, and again, and again.

*sigh* 7/10 stars.

Well, uhmm..yeah

[sweeterlife14 · 4/10 · 22 August 2007]

This may contain Spoilers OK. I was a hugge fan of HSM 1. But what happened to this movie? I hoped and prayed that they would not kill these movies, because they're a cute and happy movie. But the second one, well this was torture. I am normally a big musical girl and I loved HSM 1's music. But HSM 2 was somewhere of a mix between Barney and The Land Before Time. They sang everything, including Troy and Gabriella's breakup. Oh, don't worry they get back together...without talking about what went on or anything..just YAY we sang together, i love you again. Yeahh...no.

If you are a Zac Efron fan, watch Hairspray a few more times. That's what I did..you see how the acting differs.

Not a horrible sequel..but I think we all know they could've done better. Oh yes! I cannot wait for HSM 3!!!! (sarcasm all the way)

Big disappointment for HSM fans

[tjnexambk · 2/10 · 17 August 2007]

After a truly fun and Disney magical HSM, the sequel leaves the fan flat on the floor from disappointment. I found the entire first half of the film unfocused, boring and centered nearly entirely on Ashley Tisdale. We know that Disney likes Ashley and promotes her big time, but there were other talented actors and actresses that were underutilized and basically didn't add a thing to the film because they were never part of a storyline. They were treated solely as eye candy and background dancers.

The original HSM started to imply that there might be developing other couples that I had hoped would continue in this film. I wanted to see Chad and Taylor, as well as Jason and Kelsi, but instead we got a nearly unrecognizable Sharpay shoved down our throats.

Sharpay in HSM was crafty, self-centered and self-loving, but in this sequel, they turned her into a miniature Paris Hilton. Why the drastic character personality change? She was downright annoying and far from entertaining to watch. I enjoyed her in the original HSM, but really yawned at her in this one.

While I didn't like they way they tried to transform Troy into a first class jerk, I did enjoy watching Zac show us a much deeper range of acting skill. I enjoyed his angst number in black. He truly did remind me of Ren in Footloose and I can see him using that footage to try and land work for that developing remake. Zac is too talented to keep playing Troy. He has clearly moved on in both talent and skill. It was clear he tried to salvage what he could of this poor storyline, but even his talent wasn't enough to save such a bad script. It was nice to have his voice in this sequel and the only truly memorable number in the film is the one he and Vanessa sing (Music in Me), although I did like his angst number performance as well.

Vanessa was barely in the film. Same with Lucas, Chad and Monique. These are talented actors that barely had any screen time or story. What a shame to waste such talent. Shame on the producers and director! Unfortunately the script in this sequel really destroyed the magic of HSM and was a suffer to sit through.

The choreography was promised to be stepped up a lot, but there really wasn't much in the film beyond the first ten minutes and last five minutes. So where was this stepped up choreography? I kept looking for it, but it didn't ever show its face.

The entire rest of the film was primarily a really predictable, boring story that featured a character that was completely out of character (Sharpay). What a shame to have tanked so bad after such an enjoyable original film.

Oh dear

[MegWhiteIII · 1/10 · 27 October 2007]

Where do you start? How about the warped message this film is sending out to children who's families genuinely have money issues? I almost choked on my own disgust when Troy complained that he was fed up of seeing all the rich people at the Country Club while his parents were 'scraping for pennies'. With a house the size of his I doubt they're scraping for anything. Secondly, isn't it wonderfully convenient that they all managed to get pretty good jobs with no previous work experience and that they all managed to secure employment on their first attempt, at the same place, at the same time. Apart from being the luckiest group of 'teenagers' in the world, they are all the most ungrateful group of spoilt brats I've ever witnessed. The jobs they secured aren't given away to teenagers with no employment record and you don't become an assistant chef because you made a Crème Brule and some cookies then complain about it.

Apart from those two minor points that really, really grated on me, the rest of the film is truly dire. I would happily watch High School Muscial (which, I am shamed to admit, made me laugh a little) every day for a week rather than sit through this trash again. The pointless, meandering plot-line, the dreadful, dreadful songs and the nauseating tones of Vanessa Hudgens were all too much for me. I stayed true to my word and sat through the whole thing, but not before my soul was permanently tainted. You may think I'm exaggerating, and you might be right, but a movie hasn't dragged like this since the Forty Year Old Virgin. Mercifully, I didn't have to pay for this one, but I did have to waste electricity on it.

There are many, many bad points to be raised about this poor excuse for a film, and I think Nastarinvonjacobis has made them quite eloquently. Oh, and before I forget, who in the world has a portrait photograph of themselves in their basketball gear in their own room? A dreadful film, even by Disney Channel's standards, I don't recommend this film to anyone, unless you're playing a drinking game to take a shot every time something in this film annoys you (not recommended for those who don't want to get seriously drunk)

Not as Enduring as the First

[3xHCCH · 6/10 · 8 January 2008]

This is a follow-up to the very successful Disney Original Movie "High School Musical" that was first shown a couple of years back. My kids loved the first one so much that they have practically memorized all the songs. Their favorites are "Start of Something New", "Bop to the Top", "Breaking Free" and "We're All in This Together". OK, OK, I liked it too.

Now this sequel has a different setting. It was not even set in the high school per se anymore, but in a posh New Mexico resort owned by Sharpay and Ryan Evans. Sharpay gets her claws out again to grab Troy Bolton away from his girl Gabriella Montez. She fixes it so that Troy will work a summer job at her resort, but to her surprise, Troy brings the whole Wildcats gang in with him, including Gabriella! There are more serious themes in this film. There are several serious confrontation scenes. There were serious choices that needed to be made by lead character Troy, more serious than whether he should sing at his high school musical or not. This time decisions involved loyalties, priorities, planning for the future while staying grounded now. Very difficult choices indeed for a teenager in high school to face. But of course, as this is a Disney Original Movie Musical, so we do expect a happily-ever-after.

The songs in the first HSM seem catchier for me, but of course, I'm biased since I have heard them over and over, and enjoyed my kids singing them over and over. But the songs here have a charm of their own. Let's see if they will catch on, and if my kids will want to watch this over and over when the video comes out.

The songs parallel those in the first movie.

"I Don't Dance" is sung by Ryan and Chad while dancing and playing baseball, in the style of Michael Jackson's "Beat It" video. I see it as the equivalent of "Getcha Head in the Game".

"You are the Music in Me" echoes "What I've Been Looking For," sung slowly at the piano with Kelsi by Troy and Gabriella. Although the alternate fast Sharpay version is sung this time with Troy, not Ryan.

"Gotta Go My Own Way" is the sad love song by Gabriella, much like "When There Was Me and You" in the first movie. Troy gets to sing a little with Gabriella in the new song though.

"Everyday" sung during the actual Talent Show at the end is the equivalent of "Breaking Free" sung at the Musical in the HSM1.

"All For One" is the new "We're All In This Together", the party song sung at the end by the whole cast.

Zac Efron sung all of Troy Bolton's songs in this second movie, unlike in HSM1 where Andrew Seeley get credited for the Troy songs (and appears in the HSM Concert in lieu of Zac!) Zac even has a solo highlight "Bet On It", where he dances ala Michael Jackson meets the Jets (of West Side Story) on the golf course.

Overall, HSM2 succeeded because the characters were all very familiar and well loved. Who could argue with rating of 17.6 million viewers on its premiere night, making it the highest Disney Channel Original Movie in history? Its soundtrack album is the second best selling album of 2007. None of the new songs though made so much of an impact on the singles chart like "Breaking Free" did the last time.

Despite the efforts obviously spent on this above-average sequel, I personally do not think it will match the enduring success of the first HSM, but I guess only time can tell how much legs this sequel has.

The songs are the only original things in this sequel

[rcbtmom · 5/10 · 18 August 2007]

I hate to be a stereotype, but I am a woman and I love musicals. I really love them. I have everything from South Pacific, Singing in the Rain, Funny Girl,Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, Dirty Dancing, all the Disney animated movies and High School Musical in my video collection. I will admit I was almost as excited as my children about HSM2 coming out- almost. I am also old enough to know sequels usually do not hold up to their predecessor. HSM2 is best described as a quagmire. You see, HSM was such a success Disney had to start filming the sequel quickly to cash in. Hence, they took a lot of "parent generation favorites" scene ideas and let the music crew work their magic, and wallah they've got a movie to release.

Grease, of course, and is referenced in the movie. Footloose, Troy's angst scene could have been performed in a mill and would have been very close to Ren's. Dirty Dancing, especially the end when the entire cast dances their way to the stage. Last, but not least, Grease 2. The pool luau, the trying to be something your not, and the "coming to your senses and telling the girl and not losing her" thing. But, all my children loved it. It was original to them. And I did enjoy looking for "Waldo" (other Disney sitcom stars-IE. Miley Cyrus, etc.)

What Time Is It? Time To Cash In! (and why HSM does exactly that)

[nivekj1 · 9/10 · 14 August 2007]

I've finally found out the reason why the High School Musical phenomenon is such a success. Why the first movie's soundtrack was the top-selling CD of last year. Why there are ice shows, stage productions (amateur and pro), karaoke CDs, and karaoke DVDs to boot. It all traces back to the 90s.

You see, the 1990s gave birth to NSync, Backstreet Boys, the Spice Girls, Britney, Christina, Jessica, what have you. But their time wasn't meant for the 90s. They had come too early. Music honestly wasn't ready to cycle back to the confectionery, syrupy, Velveeta meets cotton candy of the late 50s/ early 60s. But now is the time.

The reason that High School Musical, and now Part 2, are such a success is because 1990'S POP MUSIC IS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE!!! High School Musical was the Reset Button, if you will, setting kidz-bop-pop back in its rightful place. Adults have their music, their innuendos, their profane-angry-paranoid-hurtfully honest songs. Why not give the kids a break? A place to be a kid?

The sequel does a great job of avoiding the urge to fix what's unbroken, but instead to polish it. This film isn't darker, but it is spunkier. More attitude, and even more confidence (if that's hard to imagine). This film is strictly for A) kids, and B) people who not only remember but enjoyed being kids. High School Musical 2 is a burst of joyful exuberance. Winks towards adult audiences have their place, but so do productions where a kid isn't talked down to or expected to grow up too fast.

The straight-up theater pop of the first has been replaced with more of a Hip-Hop/ Arena Pop edge. Less Broadway, more Billboard. Plus, the mythological task of defeating high school cliques has been replaced with simply earning a check for the summer. The movie wants to feel bigger than the last, but it's actually more intimate. That's an unintended plus.

The cast goes through some drama this time around, and some changes are made, character-wise. This was the biggest surprise. Disney Channel could have simply done a rehash of the first film, but everyone involved truly did a great job. I forgot that, as corny as the premise - the whole franchise - is, these guys can really act. And sing. And dance. No wonder Disney gonna's make a fortune.

And no wonder musical theater is so rough. Every single participant has to be a Triple Threat. But that's part of the fantasy of the first film: making the audition, giving it your all, and gaining the applause and support of your peers. What's great about this second movie is, really it's about the reverse of that. LOSING the support of your peers. Losing yourself in search of something you don't really need, not yet anyway. It's a good message: The future will come soon enough. Enjoy being a kid and being with the ones who love you while you still can.

Still, if this second movie doesn't match up to the first, it's because of moving it away from the dream of Triple Talent Status. No longer a musical about a musical, it instead becomes a musical about a country club. Instead of risking social status to be yourself, to find yourself, it is now about the dangers of losing yourself, by giving into social status. More dramatic, sure. A stroke of genius, I would say, except for the fact that it's still a freakin' High School Musical movie, not a Country Club Musical movie.

By moving into more complex territory, it grows up. But by default, it is less fun, just a smidgen less, than the original. To its credit, it isn't stale (the new setting keeps it fresh), but Disney Channel, Ortega, and all company involved will be hard pressed to create a three-quel that's just as fun, lively and CHOCK FULL OF 90'S POP as the original. A return to the theater would be welcome.

As for the songs themselves, let's just say I've been fair enough to comment that I enjoyed the MOVIE for what it was. Disney's been great at soundtracks but they'll have to do a lot better for part 3. Aside from the opener and a baseball game/swing number, there's not much to enjoy this time around, once again due in part to the removal of the high school locale.

The kids will LOVE IT, the parents will Tolerate it, Disney Channel will collect money hand over fist, and everyone else will have no idea what is going on because they've failed to realize (A) what it meant to be a kid, (B) that 90's Pop Music is back with a vengeance, and (C) everybody wants to sing and dance, even if they don't want to admit it.

underrated

[sashank_kini-1 · 7/10 · 3 December 2007]

This must be one of the few movies where the audience have rated it lower than the rather infamous known movie critics of various sites. It has received about 76% in Metacritic and has even got good reviews by other critics, who are notorious for giving their negative opinions and lowering the film's rating, which can lead to the failure of the film, loss of money and a nomination in the Razzie Awards.

I was taken aback this time because the audience, who normally love these fun-filled movies rather than the serious ones have rated this as low as 5.2. Come on, it doesn't deserve such a rating! I had seen this rating first and later the known critics' ratings and so before watching this movie, I thought whether it was really worth seeing as I did not find the first part even that good that it would be given above six.

This movie has a much mature script, highlighting actual problems that occur in the lives of guys and girls of high-schools. The thing I did not like that much about the first part that it had a silly plot, where the best buddies of the two main protagonists were backing them from doing what they wanted to do. I mean, if I suddenly take up singing, my friends won't tell me that it will destroy my future. I would love if my pal who suppose, is a footballer, takes up chess suddenly and would be proud of him, rather than harping about how chess has negative effects or no hopes in the future. I mean, the hopes are less, but he is an amateur and plays it as a hobby, why not let him continue with that? In fact, being a professional footballer is much tougher than a professional chess player because the chances of getting selected in the Football team is lesser than that of just being a chess player.

Anyway, in this sequel of the film, the High School team goes for the summer vacation to work for the club run by the evil Sharpay's father. There is a music competition and Sharpay wants Troy to be her partner. There are different stories running parallel to one another:

1)Troy: The love triangle between him, Sharpay and Gabriella is as usual, going on. Plus, an addition is when he has to choose between his old pals or new mates.

2)Gabriella: She has to decide whether the relation between her and Troy can progress or will they have to break up.

3)Ryan: His evil sister Sharpay has plans to make Troy instead of him as the dance partner. What should he do now?

There are other minor story lines running along with Sharpay ruining her schoolmates' plans by mining obstacles in their path. I found the story much more mature and understandable than the prequel. The acting has improved of all the characters. Troy is good at acting, Gabriella, thank God, has done her emotional scene better, Ryan is good but the person I loved was Ashley aka Sharpay. She is evil, that's what I like. The songs are better than the first part, though the dancing is not as good as the first one but is still great with marvelous movements. I still have a complaint about the invisible Troy's mother who just shows up for a second and then is not seen in the film thereafter. They focus more on his father, they have to, but even bonding between the child and the mother should be shown for a brief time.

Its a fun filled film that has a bit of a loose ending. But the way the film makers have comprehended that its a film mainly focusing on children, they have done a commendable job. 7 out of 10.

self explanatory-

[nickdot12 · 1/10 · 17 August 2007]

when i first saw the movie, it was like a very realistic view on how high school is. stereotypes, drama queens, jocks, the smart ones, etc. the drama was fantastic because it made sense.

now that i just saw what it had become, it made me want to turn off the television because how disgraceful it was.

the movie started out okay, with that catchy songs. but when it moved on, it was such a let down. the sound of the movie was awful along with the hideous colors of the movie. it was like an unrealistic and awful photograph. the writers probably already know that the movie lacks that real grasp of the reality out there. unlike the first movie, this movie was only focused on the performance of each artists. again, another let down.

not to punch on the gravity of the situation but i love watching movies, but only movies that really are good and makes some sense. we all liked the first movie because it's the voice of the teenagers today. but for heaven's sake, did you have to make that sequel! i mean come on, you geared us to the point at which we can't wait until the next day to watch and that's what you came up with! if you are to make another sequel, just make sure you get a good script,a great story, and good concept! thank you-

A great sequel

[TheArgentWolf · 10/10 · 29 December 2007]

I understand that a lot of people feel that this wasn't as good as the first movie, but personally I think it's as good, if not better than the first one. The cast seem a lot more comfortable with each other and their characters, which make their characters seem a lot warmer and welcoming.

I also like that this film concentrates a little more on the importance of characters such as Martha, Kelsi, and Zeke. In my eyes, they're just as important as the main six, and I can't imagine the movie without any of them.

As with the first movie, the singing and dancing are flawless and perfect. My only problem is that there isn't a song that is as amazing and climatic as Breaking Free. The equivalent in this movie would be Everyday, but it's nowhere near as powerful.

Nevertheless, an amazing film that you'd be a fool to miss, no matter what age you are (take it from a 19-year-old!)

Guilty pleasure

[elenaandisabella · 7/10 · 15 August 2021]

I normally hate any type of musical but for whatever reason i like this musical. I love the actors they are all fun in their own way. The music and song chooses are pretty good. I love the high school fit. If you have not seen this movie why not give it a chance. Hopefully you will like it as much as i did. This movie is great for the whole family and a great movies for younger kids.

Way worse then the previous movie!

[Stan_tol · 5/10 · 16 August 2007]

OK! First of all I want to say that i loved High School Musical but this sequel is dishonoring the first movie. The music was less brilliant than in the first movie, the acting of some actors was worse than in the first movie and the plot was just one of the worst one's i have ever seen. Come on, Sharpey is in love with Troy and gives him a better job at that spa and Troy becomes a spoiled asshole so he forgets his friends and at the end Sharpey and Troy become good again. That's in one word Cliché

Besides the terrible script is the movie fun to watch but that's it, the combination with the songs and the script makes it better but if you want to see a good movie don't see this one. Save it for a boring Sunday afternoon.

5 out of 10

One of the most worst sequels ever

[ritapanapasa · 1/10 · 17 August 2007]

I would prefer WATCHING HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL BUT NOT THE SEQUEL

OK the plot was predictable and the characters yes they have changed but not so much. The music was really bad I can't remember any of them I can't even remember what they were singing about. Typical plot Troy and Grabiella go through some problems in the end get back together and kiss (finally) and Sharpay is cool with the all this about what Ryan and the wildcats did to her with not singing in the talent show. Ryan well great change but typical change becomes friends with the wildcats and comes through for sister aka Sharpey. It wasn't really what I expected. Troy and Sharpay don't get me started Sharpay wants troy,troy wants Grabiella and Grabiella feels same way about troy. The typical love triangle the 2 lovers aka Troy and Grabiella and Sharpay is cool with it and for the first time comes through for Ryan and they sing there we are together song or whatever it's called. Dancing I would give it a 5/10 the singing and songs 2/10 and acting well it's not believable. Well I heard there is going to be a another sequel to add up to this terrible one a number 3 well let's just see if they can impress this critic this time!!!!