High School Musical 2: Extended Edition
Buena Vista Home Entertainment
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As the sequel to the Disney Channel's wildly successful High School Musical which made stars of its leads Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, High School Musical 2 is a contagious and catchy musical for tweens, teens and the family. East High School's out for the summer and the Wildcats (the school's basketball team) are celebrating vacation time by breaking into song. But with one year left before graduation, it is also time to be realistic and think about one's impending college tuition. Sharpay Evans, (Ashley Tisdale) the rich and snooty mean girl is back and hell-bent on spending the summer with basketball captain and singing dream Troy Bolton (Zac Efron), even though he's now officially hooked up with the geekish Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens).

Thoughts of college bring thoughts of finding a summer job and conveniently, Sharpay's family owns the Lava Springs Country Club in Albuquerque where she pulls some strings to get Troy hired. When he arrives with his whole entourage of Wildcats, including Gabriella, Sharpay is incensed and vows to make Troy hers by whatever means necessary. Whiny and resourceful, Sharpay bribes Troy into performing a duet with her in the club's annual Talent Show by dangling the tasty carrot of a scholarship via her family's connections. HSM2 is essentially a story of rich girl wants boy, whilst boy wants two conflicting things—a secure future, as well as a memorable summer with his friends and girlfriend. Ultimately, Troy must make the tough choice between living in the moment or living for the future.

HSM2 is a joyous ride you'll want to stay on for, getting off only when the musical numbers stop. Like its predecessor, the sequel shines when the kids showcase their singing and dancing. Some musical numbers are spectacles in choreography and just pure fun to watch.

The movie falters in the acting. The dialogue is stilted and trite, and the actors are hit and miss. Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay is delicious fun as a whiny and annoying brat, as is Lucas Grabeel who plays her brother Ryan and undergoes an unlikely personality transplant. Zac Efron is easy on the eyes as the affable and popular captain Troy. Though Troy's and Gabriella's love story is earnest, the two display zero chemistry (odd since Efron and Hudgens are apparently dating off the screen). Vanessa Hudgens gives a one-note performance that consists of her smiling, giggling and smiling and giggling.

Video: How's it look?
Full Screen (1.33:1)(Unfortunately, as the movie was made for TV there is no widescreen option. Luckily, you likely won't be concerned with video resolution so much as the sound quality.)

Audio: How's it sound?
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (The bubblegum music doesn't really require surround sound, but it's always a nice perk.) Language options: English, French and Spanish

Extras: What additional goodies are included?

• Bloopers (Pretty standard giggling and flubbing of lines.)
• Music and More: Scene, Music Videos for two songs, Sing Along with the Movie: with lyrics on or off for 12 songs (Karaoke function is for hard-core fans, and there is the option of music only with no vocals.)
• Backstage Disney: Rehearsal Cam (for nine dances) (The rehearsal cam is exactly that, a camera that shows the young stars in dance rehearsals which is not overly exciting.)

Closing Thoughts
High School Musical 2 is fun, cheesy, and a guilty pleasure if you're older than a teenager. I grudgingly admit that I found it charming, cute, and infectious—and I'm no teenager. In fact, I almost pictured myself musical theatre-ing my way out of any situation with Zac Efron by my side. Almost.


Review brought to you by our friend Anh. Anh Chu is a writer, preditor (tv speak for producer/editor) and not actually a bodily function like her name implies. You can reach her at choochoochoo@hotmail.com.