More like high school, less musical! Oh!
If you enjoyed that, you’ll love the predictable sequel to High School Musical from America’s favorite virginal sweethearts, Troy (Zac Efron), Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens), and all the other East High Wildcats.
And while I’m all for spreading cheer throughout the land, High School Musical 2 lacks what its predecessor rocked at: having a tiny bit of substance cleverly drowned in a sugary bubblegum explosion.
Instead of the Lennon-like wisdom of the first film’s “We’re All In This Together,” HSM2 offers a bland “All For One,” which seems to advocate rock and roll and fun in the sun. Sounds like a recipe for youth delinquency.
Going along with this theme, I found Efron’s “Bet On It” a tad whiny. Plus the anger might mess up his artfully crafted side-bangs.
Ignoring my preposterous idea that music should have a soul, I’m not going to lie: “You Are the Music In Me” is pretty damn cute. Check it, and the rest of the soundtrack, out next time you feel like a love-struck tween girl.
2 out of 5 stars