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Private High Musical (Online)

common sense media says

Racy Web spoof hits some sour notes; NOT for kids.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this online High School Musical spoof isn't intended for kids. Each episode, which comes with a clear Parental Advisory logo, is full of crude lyrics, profanity (nothing is bleeped), strong sexual innuendo, drug use, and references to other inappropriate behaviors. The series can be viewed on its own Web site, YouTube, and other online sources.

Positive messages: The series boasts that the characters are "America's dirtiest high school crew" and celebrates lots of clearly negative behavior. On the plus side, there's some diversity -- the characters are primarily Caucasian, but Latinos, Asians, and African-American students are also visible, and at least one secondary character is in a wheelchair.
Violence: Some minor pushing and shoving.
Sex: Lots of strong sexual innuendo. Conversations (and songs) about sex, virginity, STDs, teen pregnancy, etc. One character's shirt reads "I Majored in Vagina." Another gets her first period; blood stains are visible on her clothes. Frequent use of crude sexual language like "screwing," "porking," "banging," "slut," "t-ts," "dick," and "p---y." One character is a lesbian and is sometimes referred to as a "dyke." Clear references to inappropriate relationships between Mr. Johnson and his students.
Language: Strong language ranging from words like "ass," "bitch," and "douche bag" to stronger curses like "f--k" and "s--t." None are bleeped. Also lots of obscene gestures.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The school's mantra is "sex and drugs are always cool." Discussions and songs frequently reference drugs (marijuana, cocaine, crack, etc.) and alcohol. Students are shown with cigarettes in hand and smoking pot from bongs. A classroom wall features pictures of Mexican revolutionaries drinking beer.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Private High Musical

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the messages behind spoofs. Are these movies and shows created simply to make fun of the originals, or do some of them offer a larger social commentary? What kinds of audiences are they trying to tap into?. Families can also discuss the similarities and differences between Internet series and regular TV shows. What's the appeal of online shows? Do you think online shows are more creative than what's on broadcast and cable TV? Why kinds of things can online shows feature that television can't? Parents: check out CSM's Internet Safety Guide for tips on making decisions about what content is age appropriate for your kids.

What's the story?

What's the story?
PRIVATE HIGH MUSICAL is a decidedly adult parody of the popular tween hit High School Musical. It stars rising online celeb Taryn Southern as Sandra Smith, a nerdy new student who arrives at Private High as a naïve virgin. She finds herself questioning her decision to save herself for that "special one" after meeting promiscuous Ashley Slutsky (Lauren Mayhew) and her brother Chad (Mark Hapka), lesbian Robyn (Marisa Lauren), stoner Shoe (Jeff D'Agostino), and others. Adding to her confusion are her feelings for popular Trey Baller (Robert Adamson), who seems to be falling for her despite her awkward ways.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Despite the cast's Disney-esque ability to break into song and dance at every turn, the driving force behind this online show is its attempt to be as racy as possible. Each 12-minute episode is full of endless crude sexual innuendo, gratuitous bad language, and conversations about eating disorders, drug use, and other problematic behaviors. The songs' raunchy lyrics talk about subjects like getting your period and inappropriate relationships with teacher Mr. Johnson (ironically played by Saved By the Bell's Dennis Haskins).

But what makes these tunes really sour is the fact that PHM lacks the smart or clever writing that would elevate its bawdy content above just pushing the envelope of good taste for the sake of cheap laughs. Instead, it comes off as a weak musical spoof created simply to shock and titillate. Some adults may find something entertaining in this sort of thing, but its overall messages makes this school musical inappropriate for kids.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: NR
Network: Online
Cast: Dennis Haskins, Lauren Mayhew, Taryn Southern
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Online
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

rico_355
adult
16
 
i love this webisode who would not it really does show what does happen in some schools in america...yes it is true some schools do act like this ive actually went to one for 1 semester....memories...memories
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TM588
teen, 17 years old
16
 
Hot and Funny
This is one of the best spoofs, and although not appropriate for kids, is nothing that 16+ haven't heard. This takes high school to the extreams and is definately not supposed to be taking seriously. So enjoy it! lots of laughs and lest's face it... Taryn is hot.
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zaya
teen, 17 years old
17
 
love it
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (8)

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