Many events throughout history have defined generations and shaped this country as we know it. Just a few that come to mind are Woodstock, the invention of the Internet and of course, the premiere of "High School Musical."
It was January of 2006 when this masterpiece of a movie first aired, and it seemed everyone in my grade who pretended they had outgrown Disney Channel was talking about it. Merchandise was flying off the shelves at Kohl’s and Limited Too, and one of the proudest moments of my life was when I managed to snag the last copy of the soundtrack that my local Barnes and Noble had in stock. (Technically I didn’t. I sent my dad in to get it because 11-year-old me was too embarrassed to ask for it.)
High School Musical" went on to become an amazing trilogy which gave us one of the most iconic solo numbers in cinematic history, and wrapped up everyone’s high school careers perfectly. (Except Sharpay, who was robbed of a Julliard scholarship…) Disney recently announced the production of the fourth installment of "High School Musical" all these years later, and the plot sounds surprisingly promising. Reports are circulating that the film will have a "West Side Story"-inspired plot as conflict brews between rival teams East High Wildcats and West High Knights.
Disney is currently searching for actors to play the new characters, including Campbell, Ryan and Sharpay’s cousin who is the soccer and theater star of the school. (Sounds familiar…) He has his sights set on Erin, the only girl on the boys’ soccer team (amazing), but she has a crush on Derek, a bad boy and fellow soccer player with a heart of gold. Can they recreate the same magic that the rest of the movies had? Will the music even be half as good? In case the producers need any pointers, I’ve come up with a few suggestions for their consideration that could help prevent "HSM 4" from being a complete hot mess.
1. Repeatedly make references to the first three movies.
In fact, make them to the point that it’s at "Fuller House’s" level, if not higher. Let’s be honest, the majority of those watching will be everyone who was around for the originals.
2. Of course, feature cameos with the original cast.
Give them whatever they want, and make any accommodations to make it happen. Even the shady who apparently thought they were too good to show up at the reunion. (Cough, cough, Zac Efron, cough, cough.)
3. Include a nice mix of catchy, upbeat songs and emotional power ballads. What I really mean by this is please, no 12-year-old white kids rapping.
4. On a similar note, don’t try to make it too modern and “hip” in an effort to keep up with the kids these days.
That’s always awkward for everyone. Keep it simple and true to its roots, and everyone, including me, will thank you.
