OK for kids 8+
Predictable but enjoyable musical is fine for tweens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the first big-screen High School Musical movie has been feverishly anticipated by the series' tween and teen fans. And they won't be disappointed. It's sweet, age-appropriate fun with very little edge (save for a few scenes featuring a nearly too-vampy Sharpay). There's no swearing, violence, drinking, or smoking, and the teen sweethearts don't do more than hold hands and kiss. Although it presents a "Disneyfied" view of teen life, the movie's overall message is positive and affirming (and the music is really catchy!).
- Families can talk about what makes high school graduation such an important rite of passage.
- How are each of the characters approaching the end of an era?
- What doyou think of Troy's decision in the end? How have he and the othercharacters changed over the course of the three movies?
- Families canalso discuss how realistic the movie is when it comes to presentingteen life. Kids: Does the movie at all reflect your own experiences?How is it similar? Different?
- Do you think people generally get anaccurate or inaccurate view of teen life from the media?
The good stuff
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Messages: Friendships rule, as do big hopes for the future (educational and otherwise), and all's well that ends well.
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Role models: High school sweethearts are kind and supportive of each other, managingto communicate well even about difficult issues. A teenage girldeliberately hogs the spotlight and connives to be center stage.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: A father-son argument reaches near-yelling levels.
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Sexy stuff: Mild flirting, lots of handholding, and one sweet kiss. A fair number of scenes with shirtless high school boys.
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Language: "Butt" is about as salty as it gets.
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Consumerism: The film is part of Disney's enormous High School Musical franchise, which means that though there aren't many mentions of other products in the movie, the HSM brand is front and center.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A Satisfying Conclusion to the East High Story by ThatsSoAndy
If you're a fan of the HSM saga, you will find yourself very pleased with the concluding story of the original East High Wildcats. Even those who aren't avid HSM fans can get enjoyment out of the elaborate musical numbers and the thick(er) plot.
While HSM3 is still the corny, feel-good movie we've come to know and love from Disney, Senior Year definitely presents more mature, coming-of-age scenarios. Any loose ends are tied up, and we grow even closer to our Wildcats (yes, even Sharpay... admit it, you were cheering on the inside when she took back the stage from backstabbing newcomer Tiara Gold).
The music of the film is catchier than ever, with a less-showtune, more-pop vibe. The sets and production of the movie are more intricate and pleasing to the eye (how cool was the spinning hallway in Troy's "Scream" solo?).
All in all, HSM3 will leave you smilling, perhaps even shedding a tear or two, but most definitely humming the tunes all the way home from the theater.
4
High School Musical 3 by michelehughes1
I took my 5 year old daughter to see this movie. She loves high school musical. I was not disappointed at all, it was a very good disney movie. We really enjoyed it. I would take her to see it again.
5
HSM3 A MUST SEE!!! by mmahoney<3
This movie was sooo cute! It was by far the best out of all three. The soundtrack is fantastic too--EXTREMELY catchy!!! Even if you don't like Disney, you should give it a chance--I know three people who went into the movie hating the High School Musical series, but they came out saying it was a great movie. It's well worth it!! You won't be disappointed!!!
5
MUST SEE FOR ALL HSM FANS! by melinda009
My daughter and I saw HSM 3 last night at midnight and as HUGE FANS we LOVED it! It was a great way to end it: with all the songs, dancing and singing that made us love it from the beginning and made it the phenomenon it is today. True, the dialogue/script is no Academy Award winning screenplay and not all the acting is even close but it is what it is...great family entertainment. Zac Efron is still gorgeous, Gabriella is still adorable and Sharpay is still in her classic evil yet fabulous form. I would recommend it to all fans...its a MUST GO!
5
High School Muscial 3 by janette_suzy
We had sooo much fun. I'm sure the people in the other theaters and outside could hear the screams and excitement. It is absolutely the best one. If your a fan you must go see this on the big screen.
5
High School Musical 3 by sbfoster
Very fun, wholesome musical... a great family movie.
5
GREAT!!! GO!! NOW!! by bgabela
you have no idea how surprised I was!!! I was so sure this would be horrible (based on the commercials I've seen and the outcome of the second movie) but this one surpasses even the FIRST high school musical!!!! SOO GOOD!! everyone in the theater was singing along and dancing and clapping insanely. The best part was when everyone literally stood up, went to the front of the theater, and started dancing for the last number. I advise you to go see it! I loved it! I will most likely see it again!
A good movie to see with your friends and you feel like being a dork and carefree. LOTS OF FUN!
5
People who are wasting there time sayings bad get over yourself. by totocell28
I really hate to see so many people bashing this. Half of you say you hate it but you loved it when it first came out. If someone was calling you stupid for watching the DARK KNIGHT which is about batman which who can say they didnt idolize batman when they were young. Your total hypocrits. This is the last one so it should be celebrated not bashed. All 3 movies show that you should stay true to your self and your friends and I cant find many other films that arent cartoon that do that. Zac Efron made hairspray a huge opening and is definitely one of the main reasons to see this movie. Everyone should just appreciate that this is the last one and that at some point in your life you have or will experience something to similar to the issues in this movie. So dont be a hypocrit and plain rude by commenting on here and bashing. Its stupid.
Honestly. If you are a fan GO SEE IT. This is it. If you are a parent with a child who is 5-12 go take them
5
High School Musical 3 by quEEny1
As the parent of a 9 year old girl this movie is an excellent choice. This movie shows the importance of being who you are and finding yourself. This movie show the importance of working together and being friends with everyone. As a parent, I highly recommend this movie and Disney has once again done an excellent job reaching our children with a movie of good moral values and expectations. Thank you Disney and all of the cast/crew for a wonderful movie the entire family can enjoy. I even found myself tapping my foot to the rhythm and wearing a big smile on my face.
5
Can't Miss! by jodivee
Although it sums everything up neatly - what else can u expect from a Disney classic - we went to the 1:30 pm show as we knew it would be busy and it was so much fun - the dances are energetic - Sharpay plays her part to perfection and Gabriella & Troy just melt your heart - totally sappy but great fun!