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Hello Cinephiles,
Today we’re talking about the 2006 film High School Musical.
Story
This movie simplifies everything about high school and condenses it into a plot that is much less stressful then the real thing. The loves story, which could have been super annoying, is played low key and the focus is really on expressing yourself through multiple likes and dislikes.
It’s simple and works well to get the message and the music through.
Score: 0.5
Characters
The characters are desperately trying to not be two dimensional in a one dimensional world. There’s growth and even the main characters that could have been bland were endearing.
They are cleverly built and work perfectly for the movie.
Score: 1
Dialogue
There’s nothing fantastic about the dialogue, but there are a few moments of tenderness between the love interests that is both sweet and genuine.
Score: 0.5
Visuals and Music
This is one of the most lavish high schools I’ve ever seen; it’s beautiful in it’s own right. Add in the singing and dancing and it works really well. I’ve always wondered why they have a camel for this musical. The music is poppy and very mid-2000’s but it has heart and is used to push the story forward.
The character framing for the love interests is always perfect, both reflecting their feelings and in showing them vs the world.
Score: 1
Fun
Despite never wanting to be in the same situation, I love the meet-cute at the beginning and the overall feel of the romance.
I despise the teachers and the complete lack of understanding of theatre and science. I also really dislike the “character says something to shut up friends that is mean and gets them in trouble with the love interest” trope.
I’m also extremely amused that this has one of the most realistic portrayals of computer hacking. (The science girl uses a preset macro program to shut the gym down.)
Score: 0.5
Overall
This is a fun movie that reminds me of high school while not looking anything like my high school. The music and story are fun and overall it’s pretty good.
I do wish that the character of Kelsi was more used, or that she got a spinoff.
Final Score: 3.5 Stars