11.01.08
Review: “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”
“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” may be the final chapter in the eventful yearbook of Disney’s most successful, sparkling franchise ever as we know it, but it also introduces us to many firsts. It’s the first film in the series to not revolve around a high school musical but rather feature one, it’s the first time I’ve ever experienced a full-body rush of adrenalin, emotion and unadulterated optimism before a film’s first scene ended, it’s the first time a film with a plot at thin as this one’s with its flaws and all left me entirely satisfied – elated, jubilant, on top of the world. This is an epic musical fantasia of orgasmic passion and ambition, and the absolute best High School Musical the world has ever seen, and perhaps ever will see.
As Senior Year seemingly unsuspectingly thrusts itself into the present state of mind of Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad, Taylor, Kelsi et al, much like it will do the same for me in just over two months time, whatever was and whatever happened in the previous two films (the first being amazing, despite the fact that it was nothing revelatory or original to be honest, and the second being near boring with its endless contrivances and convolutions, not forgetting to mention weak, uninteresting songs) becomes a fragment of the past, meant to be left there; with the spotlight solely on the future; it proves the last chance for the series, and the gang we have come to know and love, to leave its mark, it’s now or never.
Before they can turn their backs on everything they knew and head off on their separate ways to college and the like, the dialogue is mostly shoved out of the picture in order to make room for the high-spirited musical scenes, all evidence of a larger budget, and the rest is a musical that does what it sets out to achieve – entertain, warm hearts, extract tears, getting under your skin and lift your spirit. “High School Musical 3” does all that, a little more, all served with a generous dash of ambition and show stopping high school fantasy like you’ve never seen before.
With Kenny Ortega, director and choreographer, returning to scorch up the screen one last time, taking the advantages of the big screen and working them in ways I never considered possible for HSM, he treats the film like the grand finale – and hits all the marks he missed before, and some new ones too. Granting his six primary actors, and what wonderful actors they are, full reign and allowing them room to develop all their characters into palpable, actual people is quite possibly the best decision he has ever made, second only to his notable focus on upping the angst level, integrating better, more emotional, more resonant songs with jaw-dropping, bold, extravagant set pieces, stunning costumes and ingenious choreography. I’m not even going to bother pointing out the film’s flaws, because at the end of the day, this is a film for fans, not critics, cynics, non-believers and non-dreamers.
Opening with the infectious “Now or Never,” the first of many moments of me discovering just how much star power and charm Zac Efron possess despite my endless trashing of him (never again, promise), the whole shindig begins with the end of the basket ball season with Troy Bolton (Zac Efron), Chad (Corbin Bleu) and the rest of the Wildcats trying to score and write their last game as high schoolers right into the history books. Not only is the probably the most powerful opening of any of the films in the series, and not only did the tender Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) and Troy moment actually seem like romantic chemistry, it also sets the metaphoric undercurrent of the film’s entire motivation alight.
This is the last chance for HSM to become something more than the cinematic equivalent of an idol which millions of screaming pre-teen girls worship before because like it or not, it does mean a whole lot more than that. The film belongs to none other than Efron and the undeniably fabulous Ashley Tisdale (as the uber-dramatic Queen Bee Sharpay Evans, second to none thank you very much), they each get their moments to shine, Efron more so, but its still a great feat to be able to cram that much flair into a couple of musical numbers without making them seem overpowering in the least.
Efron’s true moment to shine is when Troy, once again confused, angsty and angry at his father’s relentless pressurisation for him to conform his ideas of what Troy’s future should be, lets his guard down and goes around East High late one night trying to come to turns with the overwhelming idea of having to make a decision that would determine the rest of his future, singing one of the film’s most evocative songs “Scream.” Efron pours every ounce of his being into delivering the single best screen moment of his career as of yet, pulling you into the raw energy he evokes, throwing himself about without direction, as if he is caught in a magnetic storm.
His unwavering ability to prove that what Troy was in the previous films is no more, he’s grown now, he has choices to make and there are distractions coming at him from every direction, is fuelled by the star essence he lacked in the previous films. Whether he is staring into the camera with conviction or gyrating to the audience’s satisfaction, he proves to be the pinnacle of not only the film, but quite possibly of all the actors of his generation. How many other young actors out there can sing, dance and act, and look picture perfect drenched in sweat? This is what I’m thinking.
Although Vanessa Hudgens isn’t much of a singer, and her acting presence renders her to be more of a wall flower than anything else, with Efron leading her through their passionate duets (“Can I Have This Dance” to name the most beautiful of all duets in the film) you could almost be forgiven for assuming that she too has grown as a performer when in actual fact she’s only good by association.
And the Oscar goes to…the star of this show, born and bred, La Tisdale, she knows it and she owns it. It takes a whole lot of skill to make what is essentially a villainous biatch into someone who you can’t help but root for no matter what. She brings her character to life without even opening her mouth, but when she does, you are seduced by her relentless enchantment, her bold and brassy effervescence and her epic brilliance. The film’s finest, most out there, in your face musical scene is her and Lucas Grabeel’s (playing Ryan, the effeminate choreographer who permanently, but understandably, lives in the vast shadow of his endlessly gifted twin sister, Sharpay) “I Want It All,” because, I ask you, who doesn’t? Firstly, it personifies the extent of their shared dreams of stardom and fame better than any other song has thus far. Secondly, the scale of the production is mind-blowingly mesmerising – they, with director Ortega, aimed for the stars, and true to their brilliance – achieved it better than I could have imagined.
The theme of “Senior Year” is living in the moment, making it count, making it big no matter what, not looking back and giving it their all before its too late, and every ambition and goal set for this film is fulfilled and then some. This particular incarnation of high school life may be fantastical, far-fetched and completely untrue to real life – but that’s the point. I don’t remember the last time I had this much fun in a cinema, and I wonder if such an achievement of indescribable luminosity can ever be replicated in a musical aimed at this particular audience. I doubt it will, and in life if we only get one film like this, where we can love it unconditionally despite its flaws and so on, its enough.
“High School Musical 3” is an antidote to real life; a cheese-filled delicacy like no other. As I stare down the road and see my own Senior Year rapidly approaching, I cannot help but feel down about the fact that there is no way mine can be as enjoyable and fantastic as our favourite high school musical characters experienced, if it were not for the optimism-high I felt before, during and after the imperfect film took hold of my emotions and spirit. As far as I know, it has yet to grant me control and I gotta tell you, I don’t think I want it to. A night to remember, for the fans, you better believe it.
Fatac Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ (I refuse to limit my enthusiasm into a conformist rating out of five measly stars, okay.)
High School Musical 3: Senior Year. Directed by Kenny Ortega. Written by Peter Barsocchini. Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Bart Johnson, and Alyson Reed. Running Time: 112. Age Restriction: All Ages. Year: 2008. Rating: ♥.
Kerry said,
November 1, 2008 at 9:11 pm
You know what Nick? I applaud your unabridged enthusiasm. I’m glad the film worked for you, after all, it was made for the fans.
Nick Plowman said,
November 1, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Well, thank you, but in actuality, there is no need to applaud me at all. I loved this film without thinking like a critic or whatever, and I’m just speaking my mind and telling the truth, because at the end of the day, that’s all I got.
friedl said,
November 1, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I agree Nick – its so cool that you anabashadly loved this & aren’t too cool, too indie or too pretentious to say so!
Big Kudos – & guess what: You made me really want to go see this. & I promise you – I wasn’t planning to. Whether I’ll actually tell people if I do see it… well that depends if I think its good or not.
J.D. said,
November 1, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Nick.
OMG.
OMG.
OMG.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ugh, dude, you are just way too incredible for us mortals.
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. ♥
Marcy said,
November 2, 2008 at 5:02 am
HSM3 shocked me by being such a darn fantastic film. I don’t think I’ve seen a film with so much energy and pizzazz in a while. It’s not an absolutely flawless film, but I smiled the entire time. In fact, the more I think about the film, the more I seem to love it. My senior year is right around the corner too and it almost depresses me that the year will be nothing like this movie.
I definitely agree with you about Vanessa Hudgens because she really is “only good by association.” Without Zac Efron convincing the audience that Hudgens’s bland character is actually worth being smitten with, Hudgens is nothing. I also agree with you about Ashley Tisdale–she never fails to impress me, especially when she has to work with a character that seems so unimpressive and cliched on paper.
Another great review, Nick!
Gonzalo said,
November 2, 2008 at 11:42 am
I am seeing this today with my little cousin, and I gotta say I was not looking forward to it in the least but you made a little more hopeful about the fact that I might not be entirely bored, so!
GoshWatcher said,
November 2, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Nick! I loved this JUST as much as you! Best HSM by a mile and a half, maybe two miles even, and one of my favourite musicals ever! I am still glowing, still after one week since I last saw it. I am going to see it again today, and I cannot wait! GO WILDCATS!
douglas.racso said,
November 2, 2008 at 12:42 pm
ugh i hated it. too uhm bubbly
Nick Plowman said,
November 2, 2008 at 1:07 pm
You see, I didn’t find it “too” bubbly, but rather well balanced. It was bubbly when it was supposed to have been, or when it was understandable for it to be, and it was angt-filled and serious at other times. I just found it a little more grown up than the previous two instalments and all in all, a much better film.
douglas.racso said,
November 2, 2008 at 3:11 pm
i think the problem with the film for me is that I really don’t like the franchise. I know I am being too biased but I simply just don’t get the hype hehehe it’s just me.
plus i really don’t get hudgen’s nasally chipmunky voice. But despite my uber hate for the film, i would still go as far as saying that it was fun to watch (belches blood) but that’s all it was for me. mindless fun.
but kudos to tisdale :)
jordan muzio said,
November 2, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I loved HSM3! It made me happy cry.
Nick Plowman said,
November 2, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Well Doug, then I get it. If you don’t like the franchise as a whole, the third film isn’t going to necessarily change your opinion of it, but if you are a die-hard fan, it was a film made for you, which is why I liked it so much. I too found Hudgen’s singing voice annoyingly bad, but Tisdale and Efron were great so they made it better I think. But I understand why some people don’t like it, I get it, I didn’t want to buy into the hype the first time I saw High School Musical, but the 9-year old girl in me ate it up, and here we are today.
I happy cried too. Good times.
jordan muzio said,
November 2, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I think HSM3 was better than any other HSM
J.D. said,
November 2, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Jordon is uber-right. HSM3 >>> HSM >>>>> HSM2.
jordan muzio said,
November 2, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Totally J.D But it’s Jordan
jordan muzio said,
November 2, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I did not like HSM2
Nick Plowman said,
November 2, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Me either. I mean, I have the DVD for the sake of being able to own the entire “series” or whatever, like to have the complete set someday, but it isn’t something I necessarily could rewatch over and over. I liked it okay as a film, but as a part of HSM, I found it forgettable. It was totally made for the sake of boosting ratings or something like that. At least they ended the series as we know it on a high note, HSM4 is going to be so lame without the regular cast, assuming it does get made, and I probably wont watch it.
jordan muzio said,
November 2, 2008 at 9:20 pm
There is not going to be a HSM4
Nick Plowman said,
November 2, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I hope not. I’ve just heard stupid whispers and rumours saying that there might be one down the road, without the original cast and moving it back to the small screen. Doesn’t phase me in the least, I am not interested, HSM3 was where it ended for me – an amazing, brilliant, wonderful ending to be sure – and I am cool with that. I mean, it has to end. With the track “High School Musical,” its pretty clear that its bye bye Troy, Gabby, Sharpay, Ryan and so on, and its okay. They’ve done us good, more than we ever could have asked for.
J.D. said,
November 2, 2008 at 11:22 pm
I’ve just heard stupid whispers and rumours saying that there might be one down the road, without the original cast and moving it back to the small screen.
Yeah, that’s officially happening. I kind of think Sharpay may be involved? But yeah, it really doesn’t matter. It won’t be good at all, and thankfully it’ll be easier to ignore.
And Jordan, LOL, I’m sorry I spelled your name wrong! I usually spell it with an a automatically so I don’t know what was up with me, lol.
jordan muzio said,
November 3, 2008 at 12:22 am
But if there is going to be a HSM4 I’m not going to see it.
jordan muzio said,
November 3, 2008 at 12:23 am
J.D. It’s okay you spelled my name wrong.
Marcy said,
November 3, 2008 at 3:38 am
I think one of the worst things about an HSM4 is the potential new cast. The new sophomores (or freshmen?) lack all the charms of the original HSM cast. Hopefully, HSM4 will not be made. We’ll just have to cross our fingers and see…
I actually liked HSM2 a tad more than I liked HSM…? I don’t know, HSM was too predictable for my liking. HSM2 was kind of…interesting, to say the least. I’m just weird like that.
Michelle said,
November 3, 2008 at 4:50 am
Are you, the reviewer, a high school student? If so, you are an AMAZING writer. My goodness…Myself, I am way too old to even see this kind of movie, but went with my 4 year old son. I share every thought and feeling that you wrote, although I think the Boys are Back was also such a triumphant moment for Efron and Chad, too!!
Thanks for giving me permission to love this film as much as I did! I’m still thinking about it— and I’m 37 years old!
Daniel said,
November 3, 2008 at 6:23 am
lol, good for you, Nick. This is why we go to the movies!
I’d be surprised if they didn’t try to capitalize with another sequel, but if this is Senior Year, well they can’t really be in high school anymore, can they?
By the way, I don’t even know how to make those hearts…
J.D. said,
November 3, 2008 at 7:18 am
Daniel: To make a heart, just time it’s HTML code, which is “& hearts ;” (without the spaces obv). Like so: ♥
I like helping. ^_^
Nick Plowman said,
November 3, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Hey Michelle!
Totally stoked you feel that you can express your love for HSM3 like I did. Yeah, I’m in high school, I’m a boy, and me admitting in public that I liked HSM3 could be something like social suicide, but I don’t care. And neither should anyone else.
Yeah Danny, I can totally see you using hearts in your reviews from time to time, totally ;)
Daniel said,
November 3, 2008 at 6:17 pm
lol, if the right movie comes along!
&hearts
Daniel said,
November 3, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Dang it!
Sam Juliano said,
November 3, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Look, I will be the first to say that HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3 is an endless rehash, but so what? My two daughters adored it, and that counts for something! The film certainly has legs in more ways than one and look at this fabulous Fataculture thread which is now up to 30 comments! People want to talk about this movie. Nuff said!
Excellent review by the way, Nick. Love that heart rating too! LOL!
Dave said,
November 3, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I’m gonna have to take your word about how amazing this is Nick, but I am nothing short of thrilled that you fell for it in a big way, its always nice to hear, and your review was positively glowing.
Franz Patrick said,
November 4, 2008 at 9:26 am
I’m afraid to see this movie in theaters. I’ll wait for the 20th Anniversary DVD. My kids will probably wanna watch it. =P
danella said,
November 4, 2008 at 6:59 pm
great review Nick, loved this film myself, totally bubbly, then serious, but always amazingly fun. i cried too.
Justin said,
November 5, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I actually want to see this now. Who would have thought? Do I need to see the other two before I see this?
Nick Plowman said,
November 5, 2008 at 7:53 pm
You don’t have to see them in order to like the film, but in order to develop an emotional connection with the characters – that will enable you to like the film a lot – you should. Mostly number 1, but number 2 if you have the time.
Caitlin said,
December 2, 2008 at 2:54 am
I was so excited that this came out this year, because it IS my senior year!! HSM1 came out my freshman year too!!! that’s just so crazy!!
well, i loved this film more than words can possibly express!! i just got back from seeing it for a second time, i took my mom this time lol. i’m really kinda sad that it’s over now…sigh…
this movie was over the top in the best possible way, and it was def. big screen worthy. the actors, and actresses, were brilliant, as well as the people who directed, shot, and edited the film. the visuals were stunning, and the music was moving.
i can’t wait till this is on DVD!!!
brittany said,
April 21, 2009 at 10:53 pm
i like hsm becuse ok i like gebrella
Kay said,
August 6, 2009 at 10:19 pm
…
Really?
Wow.
I just lost all faith in humanity. Out of the three movies (all of which are NOTHING spectacular), this movie was the shittiest, full of vapid, silly dance routines, meaningless songs, TERRIBLE acting, and an example of high school that’s so inaccurate it’s not even funny… and you’re touting it as amazing?
Have you lost your MIND?
Nick Plowman said,
August 6, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I didn’t say it was amazing, I said I loved it for what it is. There is HUGE difference.