High School Musical 3 MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +3 Content: +4

Zach Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Monique Coleman, Corbin Bleu, and Lucas Grabeel. Written by Peter Barsocchini. Directed by Kenny Ortega.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Disneys High School Musical phenomenon leaps onto the big screen in High School Musical 3: Senior Year, in which Americas favorite high school students await and dread commencement. Amidst a basketball championship, prom and a big spring musical featuring all of the Wildcats, Troy and Gabriella vow to make every moment last as their lifelong college dreams put the future of their relationship in question. A crew of sophomore Wildcats (Matt Prokop, Justin Martin, Jemma Mckenzie-Brown) joins in the fun as the films incredible new music and exciting dance numbers take maximum advantage of the big screen.

PREVIEW REVIEW:The High School Musical has generated a loyal fan base much the way Gidget and Moondoogie and Frankie and Annette did decades ago. Were off the beach now (the story takes place in Alburquerque), but its still high school frivolity and with the same simplicity and sweet spirit found in the Gidget movies. Very little reality here, but the scripts formula is a part of every teen dream: the hope of promise and fulfillment.

Filled with hummable songs, well-choreographed dance routines and a likeable cast, High School Musical 3 is a delight. Full of fun, the film only lacks cynicism and the abuses of real life public schooling. And who needs that?

You know how Im always talking about films of the past being better than todays? There are exceptions. High School Musical 3 tops any of the Beach Party movies. Indeed, young Zac and Vanessa could and should unite for their own series of sand-and-surf teen adventures: Troy and Gabby on Bikini Beach, Troy and Gabby Stuff a Wild Bikini, and Troy and Gabby Go Back to the Beach.

HSM3 doesnt just have to be for preteen girls, either. This Disney musical/comedy is a good family outing. I sat there reminiscing about the Vanessas I knew in school. Though it was long ago, it doesnt seem that way. Zac and Gabriella pleasantly reminded me of the jubilation one first feels when sports suddenly take second place.

The students of East High graduate with high marks so does High School Musical 3.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Buena Vista