The saga continues in another "High School Musical 2" hit

The much-anticipated debut of "High School Musical 2" did not disappoint its millions of fans across the country, including my own daughters. I was a skeptical parent who finally succumbed to the HSM fever and watched the show, only to discover it was quite entertaining. So when I heard HSM2 was being released, I admit being caught up in the excitement. And it did not disappoint. We follow the story of the main characters, Troy and Gabriella, who are high school sweathearts, but have yet to share their first kiss. High school is now over for the summer. Both promise to spend time together and hope to make it a memorable summer. But Gabriella's rival, Sharpay, has other plans. She uses her influence to have Troy hired at the family country club where she can keep an eye on him. But to her dismay, Troy gets his friends jobs there, including Gabriella. Sharpay wields her influence by promising Troy access to the right people who will determine college scholarships at the local university. Along the way, Troy blows off his friends while he works the influential crowd. Of course this does not sit well with Gabriella who ends up quitting her job and leaving. Meanwhile, Troy's friends prepared to participate in the club's talent show, but Sharpay once again wields her influence to exclude club employees. But we know there's a happy ending. Troy comes to his senses, and the show must go on. Troy realizes he cannot abandon his friends and become someone he's not even though earning a scholarship is important. Once again we are treated to engaging musical numbers which capture each moment and relate the feelings and the relationships between Troy and Gabriella and their friends. The talent show finale is an excellent example. Troy and Gabriella reunite in a beautiful duet. I can't wait to see what they come up with for "High School Musical 3!"

Catchy tunes and fun characters in High School Musical

My daughters caught the "High School Musical" fever like millions of other children and teenagers last year. Friends of theirs had a DVD which they borrowed. Well before you know it, my girls are singing "Something New" and "Were All in This Together," among others, morning, noon and night. It was starting to drive me crazy. They were also trying to mimic the dance steps. I had to find out what the attraction was. Well little did I know that I'd become a "High School Musical" fan too! There are very few movies you can label "wholesome," and this is one of them. This musical has no profanity and imparts a positive message. As a parent, you can't ask for better than that. The main characters, Troy and Gabriella, are high school juniors who are randomly paired to sing a duet karoke style. They both like singing but have never nurtured it. Gabriella ends up moving to Troy's hometown and attends his high school. She's the "brainiac" and he's the star of the basketball team. Both secretly harbor desires to break out of their respective labels and sing in the high school production, but their friends discourage them. Who doesn't relate to high school peer pressure? In the end, Troy and Gabriella's friends realize they were wrong to do that and end up encouraging their friends to participate in the call back. They all show up to cheer their friends on and realize what amazing singers Troy and Gabriella are. Bottom line: break out of the mold and follow your dream. The musical numbers throughout the movie capture each moment beautifully and showcase the amazing talents of the young actors and actresses. Not only do they have to act, they must sing and dance as well. I don't think I'm going out on a limb for predicting a bright future for the cast of "High School Musical," especially the lead actors, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens.