Take a trip through time with me to the year 2006 when the biggest movie of our tween lives hit our TV screens. I could only be talking about "High School Musical." It was the start of something new: an obsession with Zac Efron, a determination to learn some choreography, and learning just how many of the boys in our classes were liars, stating that, “I’ve only seen it because my sister had it on!” So in honor of its 10th anniversary, I sat down to re-watch the movie that I’ve already seen more or less 200 times. I tried to watch it this time with a fresh pair of eyes, though, and although it was even better than I remembered, I do have a few questions and comments for Kenny Ortega.
1. Why do we all know Kenny Ortega? I just mentioned him, but you didn’t have to Google him, did you? I couldn’t tell you one other choreographer on the face of the earth besides Chuckie, Kenny’s assistant choreographer. I’m absolutely certain that if I asked a room full of 19-24 year old women who choreographed and directed "High School Musical," Kenny’s name would be the resounding answer.
2. Why didn’t they choose a real name? Because I’m basically a wildcat, I know that it was the developing name and the writers just ended up keeping it, but I’ve never come to terms with why.
3. When exactly did Zac and Vanessa start dating? Either they’re fantastic actors, or they were already in love during the filming of the karaoke scene.
4. Troy took her number on New Year’s Eve and said he’d call and then “had to leave early?” Okay, but he still could’ve called. Just saying.
5. “Do you remember the night before?” “No. Not at all. All I remember is pink jelly.”
So with my wildcat knowledge, I know that they told Zac to improvise this line, but it sounds like he was drunk and then additionally got into the weirdest situation ever. Maybe someone should’ve just given him a line.
6. Why did so many genius one-liners go unnoticed?
“That’s not even a possibility, Miss Darbus, your honor, because we have basketball practice.” —Chad
“Well that was just … very disturbing. Go see a counselor.” —Miss Darbus
"Evaporate, tall person!"
“Did you ever think about trying something new, but were afraid of what your friends might think?” “What, you mean like going left?” —Troy and his dad
“It’s just dancing. Sometimes I think it’s cooler than homework.” —Martha
7. Why can Ashley Tisdale fiercely pull off a monochromatic outfit?
8. Did they have to teach Zac basketball form? My knowledge of HSM is getting a bit shameful, but I know that he’s not actually good at basketball, and dribbling between your legs is harder than it looks.
9. Is Ryan gay? Not that it matters. It’s just that I almost fought my roommate sophomore year about this.
10. Why didn't anybody else notice that Troy switches jersey numbers throughout the movie? Does it bother you now? Get'cha head in the game.
11. How has Sharpay been in 17 school productions? She’s only a junior. I don’t know … I guess Darbus is just good at cranking out plays.
12. Why is everyone obsessed with Troy Bolton when Zeke and Chad are clearly cuter?
13. Why does everyone who has a secret in "Stick to the Status Quo" become a bigger character in the sequels except the cello kid?
14. Why is it okay that Troy snuck into Gabriella’s backyard and up onto her balcony? I would’ve screamed.
15. Who planted that terrible smelling chemical in the Scholastic Decathalon? Seemed convenient.
16. Why can’t I moonwalk like Zac Efron can? And did that single-handedly get him the part?
17. Why were we so defensive over this movie?
I remember watching the final callbacks with my mom and when Troy and Gabriella started to sing "Breaking Free," my mom exclaimed, "Don't tell me these two are better than the sibling kids!" I was horrified and immediately told her, "It's their CHEMISTRY, Mom!" But now I kind of agree with her ...
Love it or hate it, (actually, just love it) the Wildcats were undeniably life for a few years of our pre-teen lives, and I am so grateful to Kenny Ortega and the cast and crew for giving it to me. What team?!
