I actually enjoyed this!

I bought this movie for my three-year-old niece for Christmas and of course we watched it. I didn't know much about High School Musical until I went shopping for her presents, but after viewing I found myself actually enjoying it. Yes, it is Disney so it's campy and such, but it was entertaining and enjoyable to watch.

Plot
The original crew from the first movie is back: Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, and the rest. The gang has to find work for the summer and end up all landing a job at a resort (what are the chances of that?). The movie starts off with Troy and Gabriella doing well and all things going to plan. Of course Sharpay has other plans and spends most of the movie trying to convince Troy to duet with her for the summer talent show. Sharpay's dad pulled some strings to get Troy in good with a college basketball team, so he agrees in order to proceed with his dreams of playing basketball in college. The course of the movie puts Troy in compromising positions where he must choose between his friends and his future. Oh my, whatever will he do?

Special Effects
Well this is a musical, so special effects don't really come into play. However, the atmosphere is upbeat and positive. Clothes and scenery are bright and colorful.

Length
The movie's not too long or too short. It rides along at just about the right pace.

Entertainment
As you can surmise from the title, this is a Disney musical and most of the song lyrics aren't going to blow you away in terms of originality. But overall they are entertaining to listen to and offer a decent sing-a-long style (no, I did not sing along). Choreography is well done and acting is on par with other movies of this style. The stars are definitely more singers than actors, but they do a good job in both respects.

Rent or Buy
This is worth watching as long as you know what to expect. If you have kids (or are a kid), then the replay value on this is probably worth the $20 to buy it. FYI - there is an extended version of this DVD.