Cable television’s most successful movie franchise has now become one of Hollywood’s most successful big-screen musicals with HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THREE: SENIOR YEAR. Troy and Gabriella, played respectively by teen heartthrobs Zac Efron and Vanessa Ann Hudgins, are winding down their senior year and realize their lives are taking different paths. The two have enrolled at separate California universities with Gabriella focusing on a law degree, and Troy set to play college hoops. In addition to the two’s romantic challenge, they and the rest of their friends are putting on a spring musical about their final days as Wildcats. 
Outside of the tabloids and the general pop culture phenomenon of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL I wasn’t too familiar with the previous two films, and ignorantly mocked them without having viewed them. Much to my surprise, and guilt fully so, I enjoyed HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THREE: SENIOR YEAR, due in large part to the film’s unabashedly juvenile, innocent and most of all, energetic approach to the mild-mannered, but high-spirited material. The plot is as generic as they come, but this SAVED BY THE BELL and GREASE mix serves the Disney franchise well, serving up a wholesome mix of family fun, with bright colors and lively tunes. Although the actors play rather cookie-cutter roles, they infuse their characters with charisma and liveliness. Efron and Hudgins are the stars, and its not surprising to hear that the two share an off-screen romance. Their chemistry on screen is the driving force in the film, and in spite of the hokey moments, provide the film with a bit of substance. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THREE: SENIOR YEAR is a welcomed surprise, so much so, that I actually wouldn’t mind seeing what happens to these Wildcats after graduation.
Grade: B-
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