So I get it now, what all the "hoopla" is about the movie High School Musical! Besides the fun music ( I was so tempted to try the "dance-along" on disc 2 but my son protested) and fairly diverse cast, for Disney anyway, it sent a very valuable message. I started out thinking it must be a parody of school cliques and thought the "evil snotty twins" were just too over the top, but then settled in and realized that this is what pre-teens want...a day in the life of the cool and glamorous kids their own age or a bit older, but funny rather than too heavy or intense. Disney really hit the mark with the music too-it's great to sing along to in a group, it just invites slumber party viewers for years to come!
The movie contained an emotional storyline that pre-teens could relate to and the ultimate message to be yourself, follow your dreams, break through the social boundaries and expectations didn't seem any less inspirational being told by beautiful and talented actors. I was prepared for maximum cheesiness, but have to admit that knowing a bit more about what the target audience is looking for based on my various student interviews, I really think High School Musical is quality work and deserving of it's insane popularity.
Amongst the other positive messages in the movie, the one I appreciated most was the relationship between Troy and his father. As a parent I am maybe a bit hypersensitive about the typical portrayal of parents in Disney movies-wicked, unreasonable, evil, all-powerful, etc...it was just nice to see a parent portrayed as looking out for their child's best interest and having good intentions-yet realizing that "being yourself and in turn being truly happy" can supercede an all-star win or a sports scholarship. I am fine with my son loving toe-nail polish and don't think twice when my daughter wears a tool belt over her tutu for dance class, but if when they are older and my perspective shifts with their levels of self-expression, I hope I can come back around and step up the support like Troy's dad rather than turning into that weird mer-man/octopus thing from The Little Mermaid...
So I'm sure (at least I hope) it's been done all over the country, but this movie would obviously make a great discussion group opportunity for a library trying to lure in this age group. It is a nice, clean, appropriate yet still immensely popular movie that would draw crowds and also affords lots of dynamic discussion topics. It would be a safe and fun way for the group to broach topics including cliques, stereotypes, relationship issues (peer, parental, boyfriend/girlfriend), aspirations and struggles...hey I'd come with my dancing shoes on-but would leave my tool belt at home!
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Yay! I'm very happy you have been added to the group of lovers of High School Musical. It really does hit the mark.
When you mentioned the discussion group for libraries I was reminded that some libraries are doing karaoke and dance nights related to high school musical. Come sing and dance to the DVD. Or, come create your own dances to go with the music. It's really pretty amazing.
BTW, don't let your son keep you from singing and dancing to HSM. I had a 16 year old try to teach me the dance moves over the summer and it was quite fun.
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