High School Musical, Disney's Biggest Hit of the Decade

By Steve Collins

If you have a preteen in your life, you probably have been assaulted with a flow of chatter about a movie called High School Musical. Even if you do not know a preteen, you cannot have escaped the soaring popularity of this film. Seldom has a made-for-television movie been such a hit, but Disney knew it had a huge hit on its hands from the day of its premier, January 20, 2006.

High School Musical has exhibited unprecedented success. The movie's soundtrack was the most popular album of 2006. The show launched books, an ice show, a video game, and a stage musical. Naturally, a sequel was produced and aired in 2007. High School Musical is so sensational that it has the distinction of becoming the first made-for-television movie with a theatrically released sequel: High School Musical 3: Senior Year will premier in October, 2008.

What is the draw? The story follows much of the classic fundamental structure familiar in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Two high school juniors from opposing cliques "click" with one another as they clandestinely audition for their school's musical. Their backgrounds as basketball star and math genius certainly do not lend themselves to the theatre. Their relationship and their auditioning prove to be divisive elements within the school, and all sorts of underhanded business ensues.

The characters in this movie appeal to the preteen set largely because they are going through many of the same problems in finding themselves and then having the courage to actually be themselves. The movie's message, to have the guts to shake up the status quo, is stimulating to young people. And, of course, the music rocks!

The release of a High School Musical remix on DVD includes some fun bonus features. There are two music videos: "We're All in This Together" and the never-before seen "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You." There is also a featurette teaching the moves and a behind-the-scenes look at High School Musical. For boys and girls in that confusing preteen phase, this is an inspiring DVD!

About the Author:

Steve Collins is a writer and journalist based in Hollywood, California. A Huge Disney fan, he uses the Disney Movie Club to complete his collection. Read his reviews of the movies he purchases at the Disney Movie Club here.