What Do The Critics Say?

"Trumping the first sequel, and approaching the quality of the original, High School Musical 3: Senior Year is a truly winning reprise. Senior year more than proves its worth as big screen entertainment." Julian Shaw FILMINK "Great entertainment for the audience for which it was intended." Jackie K Cooper JACKIE K COOPER "The popular Disney Channel series moves to the big screen for a full-fledged movie musical." John Wirt ADVOCATE "HSM3 is eminently watchable, occasionally very funny, and sweet enough to give you diabetes." John Anderson NEWSDAY "This attractive and energetic young cast have used the two previous films to grow into their roles and win instant audience recognition. HSM3 is ‘tween dream on the big screen, topping them all with one dazzling sequence after another." Peter Hammond HOLLYWOOD.COM "Sure, the franchise is corny, but it ultimately celebrates talent, enthusiasm, loyalty and love. And you can dance to it. HSM3 is definitely the most adult feeling film of the trilogy, and the marquee appeal and onscreen chemistry of the leads is at its peak." Carolyn Arends CHRISTIANITY TODAY

"Much of the credit for the movie's winsome genuineness should go to the charismatic Efron, who has filled-out nicely in the years since the franchise began." John P. McCarthy REEL TALK MOVIE REVIEWS "The '10 new original songs' are enjoyable and quite energetic. That clicking sound in the background might have been my arthritic knees banging together in harmony to the songs." Gary Brown HOUSTON COMMUNITY NEWS "In an increasingly fragile world, High School Musical represents a constant slice of positive energy. Parents can feel assured that this is safe viewing for children of any age. One kiss is all you get here." UK SUN ONLINE "As far as slickly produced and joyfully energetic escapism goes, High School Musical 3 is top of the class. It makes Grease 2 seem like Deep Throat, but it’s refreshing to see teenagers free of angst and drugs. The cast is good (especially Efron), the songs have a catchy S Club 7 groove and the dance routines are bigger and better than ever." Wendy Ide UK TIMES "This is good, clean G-rated escapism delivered by fresh, talented young performers. In terms of pin-up good looks, Troy and Gabriella are a perfect match. Kenny Ortega, who has directed all three High School Musicals, makes full use of the larger canvas he has to work with in the first of the Disney films shot on the big screen. Delivers plenty of high-energy entertainment." Vicky Roach DAILY TELEGRAPH

The Inside Story The phenomenon that is "High School Musical" started out as an idea in producer Bill Borden's living room. "I wanted to make a musical that I could sit down and watch with my kids. It was that simple," says Borden ("End of Days"). Although the musical had seen somewhat of a revival with the success of adult fare such as "Moulin Rouge!" and "Chicago", no one was making musicals for the teen audience. "Bill and I are true believers in this particular genre: the musical for teens," says Borden’s producing partner Barry Rosenbush ("Scary Movie 2"). "With the first movie, we weren’t trying to invent the wheel: we were trying to reintroduce the wheel. Movie history is filled with musical comedy for teens. The movies back in the 1930s and '40s, the movies that we grew to love: "Westside Story","The Sound of Music", and later "‘Grease"; were all for young people." Borden and Rosenbush were already working with writer Peter Barsocchini ("Drop Zone") on another project when the idea for "High School Musical" gained momentum; they tapped him to write the screenplay. "They said they were doing a Disney project that involved music and sports," says Barsocchini. "The world of music and sports was familiar to me: I played basketball during my youth and I was a music critic in the late 1960s in San Francisco." Multi-talented director/choreographer Kenny Ortega ("Live and Unwrapped") then joined the trio to bring this musical idea to the small screen. "Kenny has many unique talents which make him a really fantastic director," says Borden. "He is a musician. He’s a great dancer. He’s a choreographer. He’s an actor. He really does mold the screenplay. He can take a concept and make it come alive in a musical like no other person in the world. Kenny really is an amazing force of nature." "All I’ve ever tried to do here with "High School Musical" was to enjoy telling a story from a musical point of view in a lighthearted and joyful way without having an overly complicated story and overly complicated characters," says Ortega. "I just try to bring it to life with as much fun and joy and color and excitement as possible." The team fathered a creative phenomenon that would come to include cable television’s highest ever rated telecast, the two highest ever rated Disney Channel movies, two multi-platinum soundtracks, a concert tour, an ice show, numerous awards and accolades, and a source of inspiration to teens worldwide. "There’s something about teenage life that is the same all around the world," says 2006 Emmy Award winner Borden ("High School Musical"). Bringing "HSM" from Disney Channel to a feature film was a dream come true for Ortega. "I’ve always wanted to direct a musical for the big screen." So when it came time to continue the Wildcat's story in a big-screen format, Ortega was ready. Writer Barsocchini remebers the first thing out of Kenny Ortega’s mouth: "I don’t want to remake the first two movies. I want to be true to the ‘High School Musical’ feeling, but I want to let these kids grow up. They’re high school seniors, so let’s give them the pressures that high school seniors have about prom, finals, graduation and going away. There’s a balance, we’re making musical comedy but we want to try and base it in some emotional reality." "Peter has given us a wonderful blueprint and has been there with me all along in the development of the song placement," Ortegae says. "We were able to do workshops with the actors and throw some improvs out there." "Even though "High School Musical 3" is a big-screen feature film, we wanted to make sure it came out of the same world and has the same feeling as the first two," Borden adds. Ortegae says the big-screen version, "features bigger musical numbers with more difficult choreography and more dancers, more elaborate sets with more complicated lighting and sound, and more detailed and fabulous costumes." Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman return to the roles they created in the international smash hit "High School Musical" and the record-breaking "High School Musical 2", that catapulted them to the center of the worldwide "HSM" phenomenon. "One of the untold stories of the "High School Musical" franchise is how talented the cast really is," says Barsocchini. "Yes, they’ve all become teen idols. But they’re good young actors. Our principal cast has molded those characters into something that kids love. That’s the secret." "The chemistry the kids have with each other elevates it and makes it something more than just telling a fun story. They are the most generous lot you could ever hope to work with. They really come to work with the right things on their minds," Ortegae notes. Everyone’s favorite high school sweethearts Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez still front the troupe. "I’m very excited for "High School Musical 3" to be on the big screen," says Efron who plays Bolton. "This is what we’ve been waiting for, what we’ve been working towards, and it feels great because I feel like we earned it. We’re just regular kids that made "High School Musical" and now it’s progressing." According to writer Peter Barsocchini, the Troy Bolton character was inspired by the great Pittsburgh Steelers football player Lynn Swan. Barsocchini went to high school with Swan, where they played on the same basketball team. "Troy Bolton has always planned to go to the local university with his best friend Chad," Borden explains. "Now, because of his relationship with Gabriella and his relationship with the stage, he has some choices to make." But Efron’s character isn’t the only one with choices, says the producer. "Vanessa’s character is given a choice to go away to an early acceptance program at Stanford University." "Gabriella has always been ruled by her head. In this movie, you see her kind of being torn by her heart and her head: making tough decisions, trying to figure out what to do with friends, family, relationships, school," says 2006 Teen Choice Award winning actress Hudgen. Ortega appreciates Hudgens’ unique blend of talents. "She continues to amaze me in the way that she grows as an actress. This girl can dance. This girl can sing. This girl can act. She’s funny, she’s everything. She’s a real leading lady." Hudgens says shooting the film "has been the most fun I’ve had on any of the movies. We’re all close now and we got to be with each other every day, working, goofing off and just being kids." Hudgens revealed that she was home schooled, experiencing many of the typical high school experiences through "HSM". "I’ve never been to a prom, so through this movie I got to experience my prom. I never went to my graduation, but I got to wear a cap and gown." Ashley Tisdale returns as Sharpay Evans. "Sharpay is a character who the world loves," says Barsocchini. "There’s a part of every kid who would like to be Sharpay. She's a mean girl with a heart of gold: sort of. The name Sharpay actually comes from a dog who bit me." "She is obviously the diva," says twenty three year old Tisdale, who appeared in eighty seven episodes of "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" (2005 - 2008). "You love to hate her. Sharpay’s the one who stirs the pot. But, I think deep down, really, really, really, really deep down: he’s probably really sweet. Probably." "Ashley’s my girl," says Ortega. "She’s just one in a million. I think Ashley is a classic in the making. I think she can deliver on many, many levels. She’s just a fun spirit." Lucas Grabeel ("College Road Trip") reprises his role as Sharpay’s enigmatic brother Ryan Evans. "He’s a show-stealer," says Ortega. "It’s always been Sharpay’s show and in this film, Ryan explodes onto the screen. Ryan really blossoms and you get a greater sense of him than ever before." According to Grabeel, his onscreen brother-sister relationship has become an off-screen reality. "We're a true brother and sister duo and it’s been great to have that. There’s an energy between us, we bounce off each other really well." "Lucas is absolutely wonderful, a great all-around actor, dancer and singer," says Borden. "He's created a character that is nothing like him in real life. Lucas is gentle, laid back and a really sweet guy. On screen, he's hysterical." Corbin Bleu ("Galaxy Quest" & "Catch That Kid") brings his character’s love of basketball to the big screen. "Chad’s a typical jock," says Bleu. "He lives, eats and breathes basketball. He loves being around his friends, he loves being around Troy, and he has a nice girlfriend in Taylor." "Chad Danforth is a character I am very close to as a writer, because I grew up in a gym," says Barsocchini. "I spent countless hours in smelly gym socks shooting baskets. Chad is not a conflicted character. He’s a guy who loves playing basketball and he wants to play in college. Chad’s defined his own life by his experience with his best friend." This movie explores friendship and camaraderie, the bond that’s been built between these two brothers and how it’s changing," Bleu offers. "It’s the joy in seeing a friend move on and do what he wants to do, and at the same time the sadness of losing a partner." 2006 Camie Award winning actress Monique Coleman ("The Reading Room") returns as Taylor McKessie. The twenty eight year old notes: "For 'Senior Year', Taylor has a lot more responsibility: student body president and yearbook editor, which I think is very fitting and a pretty natural progression for this character. She’s really in her element. She has been ready to graduate since she started school; she’s ready to run the world." Actress Olesya Rulin ("Mobsters and Mormons") once again brings to life Kelsi Nielsen, who is the composer of the Spring Musical called "Senior Year". "For me, it’s been a pleasure to see Kelsi change from the first movie, in which she’s shy, very quiet and almost unnoticed: to the second movie, in which she’s not only made friends, but she’s a little bit more comfortable with herself. Now, in 'HSM3', Kelsi’s really come out of her," says Russian born Rulin. Chris Warren Jr and Ryne Sanborn return to leave their legacy as champion Wildcats basketball teammates Zeke Baylor and Jason Cross. "Zeke is still a jock who likes to bake and he’s still in love with Sharpay," says Warren. In the story, Zeke gets to go to the prom with Sharpay, so Warren had to learn how to waltz with Ashley Tisdale: much to the delight of their castmates. Bart Johnson ("The Run") and Alyson Reed (Cassie in 1985's "A Chorus Line"), reprise their roles as Coach Jack Bolton and Ms Darbus. Synopsis

The world’s favorite high school students have finally hit their senior year. Amidst a basketball championship, prom and a big spring musical featuring all of the Wildcats, Troy and Gabriella have vowed to make every moment last as their lifelong college dreams put the future of their relationship in question. The final year East High students are in rehersal, preparing to stage an elaborate spring musical reflecting their experiences, hopes and fears about the future. Amidst all the emotion, choices have to be made that will affect their aspirations and personal releationships. A spanner is thrown in the works when Gabriella must choose between rehersals or attending a three week orientation course. With incredible new music, songs, and colorful, exciting dance numbers, this teenage extravaganza delivers plenty of energetic entertainment thanks to an extremely talented ensemble.

The Verdict "There's so much to enjoy with the big-screen edition of "High School Musical". Parents, teenagers and tweeners will all get a huge kick out of the third edition of the franchise, which, to put it bluntly, "is the icing on the cake" for fans. The cast we have grown to love thanks to cable TV and DVD releases have continued to grow and, although in real life they aren't teenagers all give consumate performances. There is just so much to enjoy in this tale of the 'Senior Year'. The music, songs, costuming, dance sequences and the finale` are sensational. "High School Musical 3" is totally infectious. Those grown-ups whose kids (with a bit of luck) have fled the nest, shouldn't dismiss, nor be fooled into thinking "High School Musical 3" is aimed solely at the teen segment. If you want to feel uplifted and you love a musical, 'HSM3' is well worth taking in. A toe-tapping, hand-clapping hoot!. Very recommended. 4 1/2 STARS." Crew Bytes "HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3 SENIOR YEAR" was .......
directed by Kenny Ortega ["Hocus Pocus", "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2"]; screen play written by Peter Barsocchini ["Drop Zone", "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2"]; art direction by Excellence in Production Design Award winner Wing Lee ["Cop Land", "Blue Moon", "Chinese Coffee" and "TV'S Ugly Betty"]; costume design by Caroline Marx ["Between the Sheets", "Deal of a Lifetime" and "The Killing Room"]; production design by Mark Hofeling ["The Undercover Kid", "Jumping for Joy" and "Sawtooth"]; edited by Don Brochu ["The Fugitive", "Chain Reaction" and "The Medallion"]; director of photography Mayahuel Award winner Daniel Aranyó ["Farm Sluts", "La Distancia" and "The Real Son"]; original music by ASCAP Award winner David Lawrence ["American Pie 2", "Van Wilder: Party Liaison" and "High School Musical 1 & 2"]. Who's Who

Zac Efron Vanessa Hudgens Ashley Tisdale Lucas Grabeel Corbin Bleu Monique Coleman Bart Johnson Alyson Reed Olesya Rulin Chris Warren Jr Ryne Sanborn KayCee Stroh Matt Prokop Justin Martin Jemma McKenzie-Brown Leslie Wing Pomeroy Socorro Herrera David Reivers Yolanda Wood Robert Curtis Brown Jessica Tuck Joey Miyashima Stan Ellsworth Dave Fox Jeremy Banks Tara Starling Manly 'Little Pickles' Ortega Bayli Baker Ben Naccarato Tia Robinson

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Troy Bolton Gabriella Montez Sharpay Evans Ryan Evans Chad Danforth Taylor McKessie Coach Jack Bolton Ms Darbus Kelsi Nielsen Zeke Baylor Jason Cross Martha Cox Jimmie Zara Donny Dion Tiara Gold Mrs Bolton Mrs Montez Mr Danforth Mrs Danforth Mr Evans Mrs Evans Principal Matsui Mr Riley Coach Kellogg Stagehand Ms Juilliard Sharpay's Dog Boi Principal Dancer Teacher Principal Dancer

Run Time 112 minutes Rated G [AUST] Copyright ©2008 - Disney Films - All Rights Reserved ©2008 All Rights Reserved- Impact Internet Services & The Movie Pages - Protected by Australian, International, Copyright & Trademark Laws.