Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
High School magic strikes again.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
High School Musical 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Based on 60 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a fun, albeit cheesy experience that appeals primarily to younger audiences, featuring catchy music and entertaining characters. While many viewers consider it the best in the trilogy with positive messages, some criticize its predictability and excessive emphasis on romance, finding it less engaging than its predecessor.
- cheesy entertainment
- catchy music
- good for kids
- predictable storyline
- best in trilogy
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When Troy is offered a summer job at a posh country club in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2, he gets his girlfriend Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), longtime buddy Chad (Corbin Bleu), and a bunch of other Wildcats hired there as well. Little does Troy know that the scheming socialite behind the job offer was snooty Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale), whose daddy owns the club and who has her summer sights set on snatching Troy out of Gabriella's arms. She tempts Troy with a flashy job, famous friends, and the promise of a college basketball scholarship if he devotes his time to her. Eventually he has to choose between this fast track to success and the person he knows himself to be.
Is It Any Good?
For fans of the first High School Musical, the sequel picks up right where the original left off, not missing a beat with 10 catchy new songs and improved choreography. A little extra maturity in the cast only increases the characters' likeability, and the slightly more emotional storyline (Efron even seems on the brink of tears during one sad scene) will win points with older viewers who may tire of teen issues being too easily resolved on TV.
There's no doubt that tweens will flock to High School Musical 2 like they did to the first, and, once again, parents can rest assured that there's nothing to worry about here -- unless you take exception to the movie's sparkling, sanitized view of teen life. There's no bad language, no violence, no drinking, and only one kiss (which, as in the original, is reserved for the end of the movie). Tweens who watch will be treated to positive messages about relatable issues like overcoming cliques, valuing friendship, being true to yourself, and standing up for what you believe in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the media typically presents teen life in movies like High School Musical 2. Do you think people get an inaccurate view of teen life from the media? Why or why not?
Tweens: Do you find the characters and scenarios in this movie believable? Why or why not? Were any of the issues the characters faced similar to ones you've experienced? If so, how did you handle them?
Families can also discuss how this movie compares to the original. How have the characters changed since the first High School Musical? Which do you like better? Why?
How do the characters in High School Musical 2 demonstrate empathy, humility, and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 17, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : December 11, 2007
- Cast : Ashley Tisdale , Vanessa Hudgens , Zac Efron
- Director : Kenny Ortega
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Queer Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Musical
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Humility , Integrity
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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