 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
High School Musical
- Review Date: May 21, 2006
- NR
- Genre: Musical
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
A modern-day Grease for tweens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this made-for-TV movie is hugely popular with tweens -- and has spawned its own marketing empire, from CDs to clothes to video games. Its sanitized depiction of high school may not ring true to older teens, but tweens will get strong messages about acceptance and being true to yourself -- as well as about supporting your friends when they want to try something new. A father-son relationship is tested when the boy asserts his independence, and there are some near-kisses between the lead couple, but overall this is tame stuff.
What's the story?
Filled with important messages, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is an upbeat made-for-TV movie about a pair of teens who, after discovering a mutual love of song, overcome pressure from friends to ditch their newfound hobby. Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) meet when they are paired for a New Year's Eve karaoke contest while vacationing with their families. Once they return to East High, Troy, captain of the school's basketball team, and studious Gabriella, who has just transferred in, find out that they're in the same homeroom class and become friends. And when auditions are announced for the school's musical, the pair decides to try out. Their duet is impressive enough to earn a callback, which sparks the anger of usual lead performers Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) and her brother Ryan (Lucas Grabeel). Also unhappy are the members of Gabriella's academic decathlon team, who need her help to win an upcoming match, and Troy's teammates, who have been practicing for an important championship game. Fearful that the pair might choose singing over them, the groups work together to convince Gabriella that Troy is no longer interested in trying out for the play. But once they see how hurtful their actions are, they come clean, and Gabriella and Troy figure out a way to do everything.
Is it any good?
What infuses High School Musical with much of its spunk are Efron's and Hutchinson's lively performances; both come across as friendly, well-adjusted, and immensely likeable. During the song-and-dance-filled musical numbers -- including "Breaking Free," "Start of Something New," and "We're All in This Together" (all Billboard 100 hits) -- the movie sometimes feels more like a music video. The only thing that really detracts from the movie is the sugar-coated way that it portrays issues that regularly cause teens angst, such as entrenched cliques, self-esteem, and peer pressure. The world of High School Musical seems to be right next door to Pleasantville, where everything works out and everyone gets along in the end.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about peer pressure and how to resist it. How can teens stand up to friends who belittle their choices or talents?
Are the movie's characters good role models? What do you think the filmmakers want kids to take away from watching this movie?
Why is it important to try new things?
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AGE
12+ Great Learning Experience
i personally think this movie was GREAT!! I mean ya the dances and singing int the middle of class it the musical part of the movie. I think that it really does give you a glimpse of High School Your going to have jealous girls and a lil bit of heart break but thats just life for you.. I think if anyuthing watching these videos should really help teens cause it teaches you that no matter what friends are forever and if you truely love someone and its meant to be they will be back!
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AGE
stupid movie, bad role models and bad outlook on life
the absolute worse movie i have EVER seen. stupid. too many kids obsess over it. i have always hated this movie... bad role models and bad ways to look at the world. the world is not perfect, and no you can't do what ever you want. but...i can see how 6-8 year olds would like it..so yeah...whatever
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AGE
no way
if u want to see high school musical don't bother. It is the most boring musical i have ever scene in my entire life. DO NOT WATCH WATEVER U DO!
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Kid, 11 years old
February 16, 2010
AGE
This movie is dumb!
Yes, I'm an 8-in-a-half-year-old girl, but all of HSM SUCKS! WAY too preppy for me! Too much preppiness. Twilight is MUCH better than this idiotic little girl stuff! DON'T LET YOUR KIDS WATCH THIS, PARENTS!
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AGE
Bad
This movie is... um.... bad. The story line isn't interesting because you already know what is going to happen.
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AGE
HSM
This movie was once really popular in 2006 and 2007, now? Not so much. But the movie does send positive messages about following your dreams.
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AGE
No concerns
Though this movie is unrealistic 2 a real high school it is a creative idea and it has done great over the years it's been out. It shows a unique twist to the disney culture and keeps children of young ages sucked in from the beginning to the finish. It personally wasn't my favorite thing to watch but, with that being said I did enjoy seeing all the talent that was projected from the characters. This movie was just ok for me but, it has a great presentation of entertainment involved. Not my fave, but if you like shows about unrealistic teen situations it'll be perfect for those of the younger generation. Good job. It did ok.
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AGE
Don't Hate Me Because I am Not Obsessed with It
People are so obsessed with it! (No offence to those poor souls that love it) its just not healthy to be so obsessed with it all the time. I mean they made pens, posters, shoes, shirts, wardrobes, bed spreads so on. All it shows is a bunch of bad acting, dancing and singing like a bunch of wackos. (Some dancing was okay, although I don't like the songs) I don't want to rant or nothing.. okay, yes I do. Well its all people talk about really. Its a con to get little girls to buy their products, and it really has no meaning. For little kids it may be intertaning, but they like to show off and back stab on there. They act like High School is a huge preppy fairy tail that everyone can be popular and nobody can tear you down. I like their energy, but its lies. I am not saying they have to be realistic but they don't have to make up stuff! And they act like THAT is what put Disney to the top. No. Disney is being distroyed. (Go on YouTube *user Magma15x* will explain to you in a funny way) I mean all of the characters are these gorgious popular kids trying to make it to the top with NONstop singing... well, I appreiseate their hard work, I just think I wasted my time watching the movie.. (Forgive me)
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AGE
Um... NOT this generations grease!
um im not trying to dis hsm or anything, but this generations grease, really? it wasnt THAT good, i mean come on we all loved this when we were 6 and its still great for that age, but everybody STILL loves grease. u probably noticed that i checked good and bad role models, sharpay is a bad role model but the rest are good
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AGE
Only watch this if you want to stare at Zac Efron for roughly 2 hours.
Aren't there enough of these idiotic tweeny bopper movies out already? Don't Zac and Vanessa look a little old for high school anyway. Besides, the movie is totally pointless. *Sigh*
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| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Kenny Ortega |
| Cast: | Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron |
| Genre: | Musical |
| Run time: | 98 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 23, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | May 23, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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