Disney had no idea of the phenomenon it would create when they brought High School Musical (HSM) to TV screens across America in 2006. Since then it has become global, spawning two sequels (the latest to the big screen) that have brought the no-name actors international stardom. Zac Efron would undoubtedly be the biggest winner from the franchise, with a crazy statistic (one in three teenage girls in the US have his poster on their bedroom wall) suggesting his heartthrob status will continue after the end of the High School Musical juggernaut. There must be an end after all, for these stars anyway…

With a HSM4 recently announced, the franchise will continue with a different set of characters, some only introduced in HSM3. However, HSM3 was always intended to be the end for its original stars, and what better way to go out with a bang than to see it on the big screen? HSM3 goes back to the themes of the first film, with the now-senior class (reluctantly) agreeing to take on the Spring Musical – only this time they juggle that between college applications, prom and uncertainty about the future. The kids have grown up and as any teenager knows, it can be the hardest time of your life trying to figure out what to do next.

HSM3 is poignant because the cast have grown with the films, and this helps it to be more than just a kids film. Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens don’t just sing as their characters, but sing to each other, with their off-screen romance transitioning well on screen; it’s easy to see how much they would enjoy making these films. As Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez struggle to decide on what they want to do with their lives, they begin to struggle to find the time for one another. And of course, when the leading couple is parted, cracks start to form within the bigger group. It’s a further reflection of growing up, as friendships that are the most important stand out more than before and once the glue becomes unstuck it’s vital an effort is made to keep it all together. Troy and Gabriella would be nowhere without their trusty friends, and they too have grown. All of the cast improve on their previous performances, particularly Lucas Grabeel as Ryan Evans (as one critic pointed out, Disney’s first gay character “who is what he is”), while newcomers Matt Prokop as Troy-wannabe ‘Rocket Man’ and Jemma McKenzie-Brown as Sharpay-follower Tiara Gold set up the potential for continuation of the franchise fairly well.

Kenny Ortega’s colourful way of filling up the screen is rarely done tastelessly, and HSM3 follows suit. His work as executive producer, choreographer and director is flaunted here as we are given loud, fun sets from set decorator Ken Kirchner and cinematographer Daniel Aranyo that take us away from the present in the style of 50’s classics like Singin’ In The Rain. The East High school cafeteria is again a favourite choice and provides one of the films more lighthearted songs from the Evans twins. There are some more subtle scenes that serve the film really well; particularly a rooftop dance between Troy and Gabriella that shows us amidst all the cheesiness and fun there is a more mellow side to life. However, there isn’t as much of the cheesiness in this installment, perhaps because it emerged throughout production as an older film. Even the songs, which hold the film together, are aimed more at telling the audience about what the future could hold, and reflections of the past. Sure, musicals are almost always going to be cheesy purely because mid-scene someone begins to sing, but the fact that HSM has never taken itself seriously can attribute to its success.

Conclusion:

HSM3 goes back to the bonding of the first film and continues the theme of friendship throughout. Disney has always implied strong messages of happiness along with friendship and it’s fitting that this trilogy should end on a good note. The morals don’t override the film where unnecessary, but rather show us that the cast themselves believe in it wholeheartedly in the final curtain call. It doesn’t have the strongest story in the world by any means but its lightheartedness and lovable cast atone for that in the most part. If you need an example of someone who’s been affected by the films, an added bonus comes during the credits from a competition winner who, just like half of the world, can’t get enough of High School Musical.

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