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?