High School Musical 2 parents guide

High School Musical 2 Parent Guide

Overall A-

Zac is back, along with Vanessa and the rest of the cast to create the sequel for one of the most popular made-for-TV movies in history. High School Musical 2 premiered on television in the summer of 2007 and now this story of summer vacations, summer jobs and summer love is available on DVD.

Violence A
Sexual Content A-
Profanity A
Substance Use A

Why is High School Musical 2 rated Not Rated? The MPAA rated High School Musical 2 Not Rated

Parent Movie Review

Back by popular demand, the pupils of East High make an encore performance in the Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical 2. Assembling the same cast members, this perky sequel picks up the storyline just as summer holidays begin.

Although the teens are looking forward to a break from their studies, each is aware their parents are expecting them to use their vacation time earning some cold hard cash towards their future college and university educations. Anticipating a season of all work and no partying, their worst fears about being too busy to see one another suddenly vanish with an unexpected opportunity from a local country club. After the manager of Lava Springs (Mark L. Taylor) offers Troy (Zac Efron) a job, the basketball star recommends his fellow students and asks if they can fill up any other available positions. By the end of the phone call, all his school chums have employment and the promise of hanging out together while collecting a paycheck.

The only person unhappy with the arrangement is Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale). She and her brother Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) are permanent summer guests of the luxurious establishment, which hosts an annual talent show. As it turns out, the manipulative blonde used her wealthy parents’ (Robert Curtis Brown and Jessica Tuck) clout to get Troy hired, with the hope that during some time alone together she’d be able to persuade the singing athlete to be her new song and dance partner. (She’s also neglected to tell Ryan she is planning to replace him). But she wasn’t counting on having the entire student body around to run interference with her plans and compete against for the trophy.

Determined to steal the show, Sharpay uses her financial and social influence to secure the young man’s loyalty. Her preferential treatment, including promotions, club benefits (denied the other staff members) and scholarship possibilities, soon has Troy’s friends feeling second rate and betrayed. It even threatens his romance with Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens).

Just like its predecessor, High School Musical 2 is full of well-choreographed routines, big production numbers and catchy tunes. In between, the characters wrestle with knowing if it is best to make sacrifices for the team or pursue their own goals, when they should assume responsibility or enjoy carefree pastimes, and how to sort out priorities. And they manage to do it all without swearing, wearing immodest clothing or coming to blows. With only the mildest depictions of selfishness and disrespect for rules, the Wildcats of East High manage once again to provide positive role models while tackling the troubles associated with coming-of-age.

Starring Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens. Updated

Watch the trailer for High School Musical 2

High School Musical 2
Rating & Content Info

Why is High School Musical 2 rated Not Rated? High School Musical 2 is rated Not Rated by the MPAA

Sure to please fans of the first film, High School Musical 2 follows the same group of characters that are working together at a country club during their summer vacation. Teens are shown wearing modest bathing suits while using a swimming pool. For a brief moment a boy’s boxer shorts can be seen above his low-riding jeans. Some of the characters break club rules (their actions include picnicking on the golf course, employees swimming in a pool which is reserved for guests only and being a few minutes late for work). A character puts her personal ambitions before the feelings and needs of others. A teen-aged couple kisses.

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High School Musical 2 Parents' Guide

Sharpay and Ryan Evans are guests at the country club, while the rest of their classmates are employees. How does this distinction create a feeling of inequality between the two groups? Why does the problem get worse when Troy is invited to join the Evans family?

Troy’s loyalties are torn between new possibilities and old friends. What does his father mean when he tells his son, “You won’t be a Wildcat forever?” What does Gabriella mean when she suggests, “If you act like someone you’re not, pretty soon that’s who you become?” How do you know when to act as a team player or when to pursue your individual potential?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of High School Musical 2 movie is December 11, 2007. Here are some details…

Following in the footsteps of one of the most popular made-for-TV movies ever, High School Musical 2 is poised to pounce into DVD players in family rooms everywhere in an extended addition. For even more fun, on screen lyrics for all the songs and a musical karaoke feature promise to make this an interactive experience. Other bonuses include bloopers, footage of rehearsals synced to the final movie and music videos.

Related home video titles:

The first High School Musical was a smash hit both as a movie and as a bestselling soundtrack. Corbin Bleu, who star’s as Troy’s best friend Chad, takes the lead role in Jump In, another Disney Channel Original Movie.