By: Sadé Champagne

Rating: A+

I have been planning to see High School Musical 3 ever since Kenny Ortega first announced that they would be filming a 3rd installment of this movie. It’s no surprise that not only did I adore this film, but I would also suggest this movie to anyone looking to lift their spirits! When my friend and I went to see HSM3 Friday October 24th (opening day), I had extremely high expectations, and thankfully I was NOT disappointed! Before you read any further, I want to warn you that this review contains some spoilers. So if you want to be surprised, I suggest you stop reading here!

The movie opened up with a sensational athletic musical number titled “Now Or Never”, and I couldn’t have been happier! Zac Efron and Corbin Bleu shined like the bright stars they are. “Now Or Never” just might be my favorite song in the movie…it’s definitely a catchy song, and I found myself singing it for the rest of the day. Of course the Wildcats win their championship game, making them champions 2 years in a row! From then on, High School Musical 3 was full of musical numbers and incredible dance routines.

Here are some of my favorite parts/songs in the movie:

“I Want It All”
Ashley Tisdale is such a character, and I love how she is able to transform her look at a moment’s notice and dig herself into a role! Lucas Grabeel has the voice of an angel and can sing anything. His voice is dynamic, and I can’t help but cheer every time he opens his mouth to sing! This musical number is huge and looks exactly like something one would see on broadway.

“Boys are Back”
Zac Efron and Corbin Bleu have such a sensational friendship that transcends their characters and reaches into real life. This sequence is tons of fun and full of energy! I love how Troy (Zac) and Chad (Corbin) use car parts and vehicles to bring back childhood memories. Corbin dances with precision and strength; every move he makes looks effortless and smooth. Corbin is definitely my favorite dancer out of all the High School Musical actors.

“Scream”
I know that Zac Efron is the star of the High School Musical Triology, but I have seen many movies where an actor was supposed to be the “star”, but they were outshined by other actors in the film. Well this is NOT one of those cases! Zac Efron has “leading man” stamped on his forehead, and he makes everything that he does look fluid and natural. This song and musical number is one of my favorites because it’s kind of a throwback, but it can also fit into today’s music. The guitar and scene changes of this song are superb. What is awesome is how director/choreographer Kenny Ortega knew that Zac Efron is not a born dancer (even though he naturally has rhythm), so he makes sure that Troy’s dancing is not visibly choreographed. It works out perfectly. Whether it’s singing, acting, or dancing, Zac proves that he will give his all and excel every time!

Every actor stands out in this 3rd installment of High School Musical, and each time I think that I have a favorite, I end up changing my mind! And evidently I am not the only person attached to these characters and actors, High School Musical 3 was number 1 at the box office this past weekend, and it grossed $16.9 million in North America on opening day! HSM3 made $42 million in the United States and an additional $40 million overseas, and broke the record for the largest opening for a movie musical. It is also the most successful release of a G-rated live-action movie and is the first film to top both the domestic and worldwide box office since the release of The Dark Knight in July of 2008!

This movie really felt like all the actors were graduating and moving on to other projects in their careers. I found myself getting tear eyed and trying not to cry. The movie ended with a graduation scene and all the characters were announcing what they would be doing after high school. Ryan and Kelsi were awarded scholarships to Julliard, Chad will be playing college basketball at the University of Albuquerque, Sharpay will be also attending University of Albuquerque, but she will be majoring in musical theatre, Gabriella is already enrolled at Stanford University, Troy will be majoring in musical theatre and playing college basketball at the University of California, Berkley, and Taylor has decided to attend Yale University and run for the president of the United States after college.

I know a lot of people think that the High School Musical triology are just a bunch of movies full of singing and dancing, but it’s much more than that! High School Musical (1,2, AND 3) have inspired kids, teens, and young adults all over the world to think outside the box, and live their dreams. These actors prove that ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they have faith! Zac, Vanessa, Corbin, Ashley, Lucas, and Monique were all regular (some struggling) performing artists until these movies came out! When High School Musical 1 came out in 2006, I remember thinking to myself “Man I wish this movie would have come out when I was in high school!” Dealing with peer pressure and judgmental people can take it’s toll on anyone- especially impressionable teens. Because of HSM, young adults everywhere now have the courage to stand out and create their own destiny! So even though this may be the end of the High School Musical triology (at least with the original cast), it is only the beginning of a new generation. A new generation of believers, dreamers, and achievers!

To see more from Sadé Champagne, please check out:

http://www.myspace.com/sadechampagne
sade@urbanmusicstrategies.com