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Corbin Bleu as Chad, Monique Coleman as Taylor

Is it big screen worthy? I think so. Most of the film's larger budget has gone into heightening the production numbers with more elaborate sets and stronger execution (the lip syncing is a thousand times better in this film than in the others). There is very little in the way of special effects, which keeps the film anchored, however hyperbolically, in the world of high school theater production. As expected from Ortega, the choreography is inventive and outstanding. The music does a good job propelling the story, although the songs themselves are not as memorable as they could be.

Some critics may complain that the film does not bring anything new to the table, and there is some truth to the charge. Most of the numbers in this movie have corresponding songs in the earlier films (compare Troy's angst ridden "Scream" to HSM2's "Bet On It," for example) and there is even a reprise of the first movie's "We're All in this Together." But the film's unabashed connectedness to the previous offerings seems ultimately more complete than redundant. By the end of the movie, the filmmakers have given their audience a highly satisfying sense of closure, no small thing when you consider the huge impact these characters have had on the audience's young lives.

It's a grand and fond finale for Troy and Gabriella

High School Musical 3 introduces a few new, younger characters, likely in the hopes of paving the way for a "Next Generation" edition of the franchise. But the film's chief focus is on giving its main characters a worthy farewell, and it does so in surprisingly moving fashion. (Reportedly, the actors did not have to work hard to conjure up emotion for the final scenes; many of the leads got so teary that the director had to pause production and let them regroup.)

Watching HSM3, I found myself both looking back to my own graduation and looking forward to my kids' future rights of passage. And I realized with a start that someday, when they wax nostalgic over their own childhoods, the songs and stories of the HSM movies will be one of the things they remember. Sure, the franchise is corny, but it ultimately celebrates talent, enthusiasm, loyalty and love. And you can dance to it.

Talk About It

1. Troy must chose between his father's desires for his life and his own. How should a young adult make those kinds of choices? Does "honoring your parents" (Exodus 20:12) mean living their plans for your life?
2. Chad has a hard time accepting that Troy might decide on a path that puts distance between them. What role should friendship play in a person's education and career decisions?
3. A recurring theme in all the HSM movies is that people can break out of their cliques (jock, brainiac, athlete, etc.) and have other aspects to their personalities. Do you ever feel restricted by people's perceptions of you? Is there a talent or interest you need to encourage in yourself or in a friend?
4. What role should prayer play in life decisions (choice of college, boyfriend or girlfriend, etc.)? What role does prayer play in your life?

The Family Corner

High School Musical 3, rated G, centers on the romance between Troy and Gabriella. Their chemistry is obvious, but the relationship is depicted as chaste, culminating in only one onscreen kiss. The film features extensive dancing, which is physical but not suggestive. There is no profane language and no violence, making HSM3 a highly family friendly film.

Photos © Copyright Walt Disney Pictures

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