Though most film sequels fail to live up to the originality of their predecessor, High School Musical 2 is the rare film able to actually eclipse its first effort.
This time, the plot sees the East High crew all land jobs at a fancy country club (owned by Sharpay Evans' rich father). While trying to manage work and summer funtime activities, Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) sees his relationship with Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) fray to perhaps the breaking point, while of course Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) seems to be the schemer behind everything.
Another simple plot, to be sure, but what really establishes this film as a notch above the first one is the much more imaginative song and dance numbers. "I Don't Dance", featuring the entertaining talents of Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel, will strike a chord with sports fans, while both numbers featuring Tisdale's Sharpay ("Humu Humu" and the upbeat "You Are The Music In Me") will leave you feeling as if you are at a Broadway or Branson stage show production.
Though hesitant to subordinate any of HSM 2's cast members, as they all bring something different to the table, I think that Tisdale possesses the most raw singing/dancing/acting talent, and thus a prolonged focus on her character does this film good. Her songs are always the most show-stopping of any HSM movie, and her completely over-the-top portrayal of Sharpay is a riot!
So never fear fans of the original HSM...this second effort will keep you singing and dancing long after the TV is turned off. Plus, though I highly recommend viewing the first film, newcomers to the series do not need to see "part one" in order to fully appreciate "part two".
This time, the plot sees the East High crew all land jobs at a fancy country club (owned by Sharpay Evans' rich father). While trying to manage work and summer funtime activities, Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) sees his relationship with Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) fray to perhaps the breaking point, while of course Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) seems to be the schemer behind everything.
Another simple plot, to be sure, but what really establishes this film as a notch above the first one is the much more imaginative song and dance numbers. "I Don't Dance", featuring the entertaining talents of Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel, will strike a chord with sports fans, while both numbers featuring Tisdale's Sharpay ("Humu Humu" and the upbeat "You Are The Music In Me") will leave you feeling as if you are at a Broadway or Branson stage show production.
Though hesitant to subordinate any of HSM 2's cast members, as they all bring something different to the table, I think that Tisdale possesses the most raw singing/dancing/acting talent, and thus a prolonged focus on her character does this film good. Her songs are always the most show-stopping of any HSM movie, and her completely over-the-top portrayal of Sharpay is a riot!
So never fear fans of the original HSM...this second effort will keep you singing and dancing long after the TV is turned off. Plus, though I highly recommend viewing the first film, newcomers to the series do not need to see "part one" in order to fully appreciate "part two".