Genre: Drama/Musical
Runtime: Approx. 120 minutes including commercials
Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Lucas Grabeel, Monique Coleman
Network: Disney Channel
High School Musical 2 - Synopsis
In the sequel to High School Musical, school's out for summer, and the East High Wildcats are ready to kick back and make it the time of their lives. If they can land decent summer jobs, all will be right with the world. Troy Bolton can barely believe his luck when he's offered a job at Albuquerque's posh country club, Lava Springs. What he doesn't know is that his newfound employment is part of club queen Sharpay's plot to lure him away from Gabriella. But that plan begins to unravel when Troy, unbeknownst to Sharpay, lands a lifeguard position at the club for Gabriella, as well as jobs for Chad, Taylor, Zeke, Martha, Kelsi, Jason and the rest of his Wildcat pals.
When she learns Kelsi has written what's sure to be a winning duet for Troy and Gabriella to perform at the club's annual Midsummer Night's Talent Show, an incensed Sharpay begins an all-out campaign to ensure these newcomers will not upstage her – forcing her to relive her humiliation over the school's winter musical.
Thus begins a duel of wits between the determined Sharpay, who seeks to always get what she wants, and Troy, who begins to experience a world of privilege he's never known. What will he be willing to sacrifice for the sake of his future? All questions are answered, musically, of course, on the night of the club's Talent Show.
High School Musical 2 - Storytelling Through Music
Music is the magic in High School Musical 2. In order for the sequel to be as good as, or better than, the mega-hit original, the story really had to pop. The movie producers accomplished a super successful sequel by using music to help tell the story, adding emotion, passion and excitement to the core scenes.
The musical numbers in High School Musical 2 span genres including pop, rock, hip hop, swing and a flashy Hawaiian/Polynesian number which is included on the CD and will be a bonus feature on the DVD. Each song has a purpose and message:
- "What Time is it": Countdown to summer! The opening song in the movie sets the stage for the Wildcats' summer adventure and reminds the audience of where the last movie left off (as if anyone needed reminding!).
- "Fabulous": Oh, how we love to hate Sharpay, and this song really takes her self-indulgent personality over the top. Back in her own richy rich country club territory, she thinks she has everything under control, as she explains how "fabulous" her summer will be.
- "Work This Out": Troy's Wildcat friends were ecstatic about their new summer jobs at the country club, until they find out that they will be spending the summer serving Sharpay. But, the love-struck Troy convinces them that they can still have a summer to remember, fondly.
- "You Are the Music in Me": In the movie, Kelsi writes this song for Troy and Gabriella to sing in the country club talent show. The song's soft but catchy opening is enough to get Troy singing again and allows Troy and Gabriella to express their feelings for each other.
- "I Don't Dance": Ryan tries to stick it to Chad on the ball field in order to convince him to take part in the talent show. If Ryan can play ball, Chad should be able to learn a few dance moves. Each player makes his point through music and athleticism, and the song tells the story.
- "Gotta Go My Own Way": This song may bring a tear to your eye, as Gabriella lets Troy know that she won't stand for being treated like an after thought in his busy new life. Her heartfelt goodbye brings Troy out of his pampered new world and reminds him of what's really important, but he may be too late.
- "Bet on It": After losing Gabriella, Troy vows to take back control of his own future in this high powered number. The song sends a strong message about not selling out as Troy promises to make things right with his life and his friends.
- "Everyday": Yay, it's the make-up song! Troy has made a big turn-around, and he and Gabriella pledge to celebrate every day together in this pop ballad.
- "All for One": Once again, the Wildcats learn that they are all in this together, and this summer sounding rock song gets the party going.
- "Humuhumunukunukua'pua'a": Sadly, this Polynesian number was not in the movie, but it will be on the DVD as a bonus feature. Sung by Sharpay, the song features the long name of the tiny unofficial state fish of Hawaii.
