i would have to be honest and say that i was one of the critics of this tv-movie. when it first came out, i just ignored it. i thought it was for kids (Disney produced it, hello?) and that it was just a passing faze. WRONG. dead wrong. i decided to watch it and BOOM! I LIKED IT! actually, more than like, i LOVED it!
a complete turnaround, yes. but if you watched it, you'd love it too. well, that depends. if you love moulin rouge, justin timberlake and all the other musicals out there, then you'd like this too.
the music was the one that surprised me the most. they weren't cheesy or corny or anything like that. they sounded good. in the first installment, the songs WHAT I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR and START OF SOMETHING NEW and BREAKING FREE, the duets for the two leads have all been really good and really stand out. STICK TO THE STATUS QUO and WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER - songs by the cast - have both been lyrically-driven and they know what they're talking about".
the 2nd movie has been a real treat :) from the very beginning, WHAT TIME IS IT welcomes summer and says goodbye to school work :) the beat and melody and transition has all been well-crafted by the musicians and choreographers - some of it apparently coming from the kids themselves :)
WORK THIS OUT is the most fun of the songs as it really breaks into that "musical/dialogue" song mode. the music was made for a male singer (ZAC EFRON) but the cast joins in on the fun :) YOU ARE THE MUSIC IN ME - my favorite - is the theme of the entire franchise. it speaks not just of young love, but of love itself. the lyrics jump out at you like nothing else, and the music is the most affecting. zac and vanessa give life and soul and power to the song, which gives it its dignity and integrity. had it been sung by any other singers, it may have fallen flat on its face.
vannessa hudgens' GOTTA GO MY OWN WAY is a sad, sad, sad love song, but she gave it its power. coupled with zac in the ending part of the song, it works. they talk about missing each other and not letting go, but mostly it talks about this one girl's independence, not going with the flow; something all young people should go by nowadays.
EVERYDAY is a touching and enlightening song. it speaks of hope, love, and being true to oneself. loved it :) ALL FOR ONE is this really fun and lively song. perfect for summer! whenever i hear it, i'm reminded of the beach boys for some reason :)
all in all, the movies have been a really good addition to pop culture. we would not be the same without them :) go and watch it (whether with your kids or nieces or nephews or by yourself) - i'm sure you'll enjoy! ;)
