What Time is It? High School Musical 2 Time

Ah, High School Musical 2. You knew it would be Disney gold, and it was. 17 million viewers tuned into the Mickey Mouse Station, making it the highest rated cable premiere ever.

Sequels have a lot to live up to usually, and I feel High School Musical 2 did a pretty good job. The songs are fun and catchy, the original cast is back, and the story isn't too bad either.

Not familiar with High School Musical? The first film centered on the kids of East High, the Wildcats. Particularly Troy, captain of the basketball team, and new student Gabriella, a Math and Science wiz. The two have a knack for singing and win the leads in the school's musical. Sharpay and Ryan, sister and brother, have always won the leads in the play, so they are not too happy with being upstaged. Troy's father is the coach of the basketball team, and he isn't too happy either with his son's new found talent. But in the end, everyone comes around - it's a Disney film - and Troy and Gabriella wow everyone on the stage. Lots of singing, lots of happy smiling kids, and a budding romance develops between the two leads, of course.

High School Musical 2 begins with the stars getting ready for summer. They launch quickly into the opening number, "What Time is It?" It's fun, upbeat, and the dancing isn't bad at all; it's actually pretty good.

Troy and Gabriella need summer jobs, and they end up at a country club where Gabriella is a lifeguard and Troy is in the kitchen, along with all the regulars.

Problem is, Sharpay's parents own the place, and Sharpay is not too thrilled to have Gabriella and Troy around. So Sharpay plots to spend extra time with Troy and has him caddy for her dad on the golf course. She then has him help her learn to swing better, and invites him to dinner, where the family and Troy talks about his upcoming college plans. Sharpay makes Troy promise to sing with her at the end of summer musical the club always puts on.

At first, Troy still manages to have time for Gabriella and his friends, but he quickly gets caught up in all of Sharpay's family offers and begins to change. It takes some self-examining and help from his friends to get him back on track.

Sharpay has her own song called "Fabulous", the main characters sing a lively upbeat song while on kitchen duty complete with using the pots and pans as instruments, and Troy and Gabriella have a romantic song called "The Music in Me." Sharpay's brother Ryan, and Troy's best friend Chad sing a swing song on the baseball field. Troy sings a heartfelt song solo after he realizes some important lessons. Hannah Montana fans should take note during the finale that she makes a special appearance dancing and singing as the cast rocks out in the pool (with a pink piano actually in the pool.)

Kids will love the movie, so no worries. It's good clean fun. The singing and dancing will have them doing the same, probably for days on end. The film is not bad for adults to sit through either which is a definite plus compared to some other kid films! It's got heart, a lively tune, and great for watching in the winter because of all the fun pool, golf, and summer scenes. Sure to warm you up! Also fun to watch in the summer for obvious reasons.

Stars are Zac Efron as Troy, Vanessa Hudgens as Gabriella, Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay, and Corbin Bleu as Chad.

Some cons are when the kids lip sync. It's pretty obvious at times. Maybe that is just me though. Also, Gabriella's laugh is a little too sugary sweet. Is anyone that happy? Just kidding.

In conclusion, for good wholesome Disney dancing and singing, check out High School Musical 2. You can bet the third film is already in works.