It was the first theatrical release of the franchise. The first two were direct-to-television movies on the Disney Channel. However, High School Musical 3 stomped the competition with a $42 million opening and the number one spot for this past weekend.Given the amount of merchandising and publicity the entire franchise has (walk into any Toys R Us to see it), this outcome is really no surprise. It's a wonder the second movie wasn't released directly to the theater rather than the Disney Channel.
I was once forced to watch the first movie and found it to be this generation's version of Grease. I understand the franchise for what it is: a saccharine, watered-down, feel-good musical for kids that have the depth of a potato chip using the same sort of music sung by Britney and her pop kin. I just don't get the appeal. But then, I'm not the target demographic.
But even if this particular franchise ends, the market for Disney kid's movie musicals will sadly drive onwards. Two words: Camp Rock.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-26-2008 @ 7:01PM
Andrew said...
Why are you in hell? How does a movie that you have no intention of seeing affect your life?
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10-26-2008 @ 7:47PM
scott valentine said...
sounds like you made this post without seeing it
Quality
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10-26-2008 @ 8:06PM
Impsy said...
It may not be for everyone, but it's a fun movie and I think the songs are really catchy. Nothin wrong with that.
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10-26-2008 @ 8:53PM
For Real said...
Honey, this movie does not fit into a teen demographics. I'm WAY past that age and I love all the HSM movies, but HSM3 the best.
Romantic souls throughout the world--both young and old--enjoy these movies for the LOVE STORY. Can you understand that? The love story!!!!
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10-26-2008 @ 9:18PM
Michael said...
I understand what you are saying to each his own dont like a movie dont see it doesent affect you I get it totally. What is concerning is the fact that this is the number one movie when it clearly shouldnt be it is one of the four horsemen
10-26-2008 @ 9:43PM
Cyantre said...
How shouldn't a heavily advertised movie backed by the conglomerate Disney, not be #1 at the Box Office opening weekend? Whether you like the movie or not, business is business, and HSM3 is going doing quite well in theatres so far.
It's not a big movie weekend anyway, the only other movie I can even think of that is also out now is Saw V.
10-26-2008 @ 10:48PM
Oreo said...
My only problem with the movie are the ads, I can't stand seeing the same one over and over again.
However what would you rather be number one? Saw 5?
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10-27-2008 @ 2:16AM
Katie said...
5th installation of a movie series that makes Abu Ghraib look like a day at the beach VS. 3rd installation of some cute kids dancing & singing & waxing sentimental about high school memories
Really, Brad? You're in hell with the latter winning the weekend?
10-26-2008 @ 10:54PM
brianhague said...
How can you not see the appeal? They are fun care-free, glorified versions of high school with catchy sing-along songs sung by ridiculously attractive disney stars? Of course kids are going to eat it up by the truck load.
You said it yourself, you aren't the demographic, but even so you have to admit, the reasons it is popular should be painfully obvious, especially to a pop-culture blogger.
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10-26-2008 @ 11:39PM
YouFaceTheTick said...
"I was once forced to watch the first movie and found it to be this generation's version of Grease."
Grease was far more clever and sexy than HSM. There's really no comparing them. Grease lives on as a musical because it is clever and fun. HSM appeals to one tiny demographic.
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10-27-2008 @ 1:56PM
seth said...
ONCE AGAIN why do you tv squad bloggers insist on writing negative blogs on tv shows and movies that you hate or have never even seen? It's frustrating.
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10-27-2008 @ 1:38AM
Tristan said...
Well I managed to head out to the midnight release of it and I must say that I was impressed. I got to see all of my favorite East High students on the big screen for the first time in all their glory. It was definitely better than any of the previous movies with more realistic plot. Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) will forever remain my favorite person in it and he and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) had the best parts. I loved the movie and are already planning on getting it in blu-ray.
Dont doubt it, at least go and see it if you are a fan of the series or even interested in seeing East High Wildcats. I wish my graduate and prom was like theirs
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10-27-2008 @ 7:58AM
Riley Freeman said...
saw 5 should have been number 1. its a water down. fake load of garbage. kids dancing and singing. where do u ever see that foolishness. should have been direct to dvd. im in hell too
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10-27-2008 @ 10:52AM
Elf said...
I am in hell as well, though my hell is my home. I've got an 11 year old daughter who demanded she be taken to see the movie this weekend. She was humming and singing all weekend and I began to get a glimmer of insight into what could make a parent want to injure a child.
By the way, regarding your comment that "I was once forced to watch the first movie and found it to be this generation's version of Grease."
I have loathed Grease ever since I figured out that the moral of the story is that to win heart of the one you love, you must compeletly change you are. If you are a greaser in love with the preppie chick you must clean yourself up. If you're the preppie chick in love with the greaser then you have to go the slut/tramp route. I can only imagine that the morals of the HSM movies are slightly more uplifting.
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10-27-2008 @ 2:04PM
rick cokely said...
Oh, I can totally relate. I loathed The Fifth Element when I finally figured out that the Fifth Element was love. Ugh.
10-27-2008 @ 2:31PM
tracey8051 said...
As a parent, I for one am glad that someone is making movies like this. I haven't seen this one yet, but I'm pretty sure no one gets murdered, raped, knocked up, cussed out, beaten or arrested. There just really aren't very many movies being released these days that I would allow my daughter to see. This franchise fits the bill. Perhaps it does have the "depth of a potato chip" but most of the action movies are the same way. I bet you like those fine though.
And yeah, my kid will probably watch Camp Rock, too. I'm okay with that. I'd like to keep the "isn't the world sickeningly sweet" vibe as long as possible.
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10-27-2008 @ 2:08PM
AJ said...
HSM is just so bad it's good. Like there is no way you can't enjoy it. Whether you love it or you think it's completely stupid and just make fun of it. It's a good time. It's a new camp classic. But really go rent the first two and drink a few beers. Good times will ensue.
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10-27-2008 @ 3:24PM
Scott H said...
I have no intention of seeing "High School Musical 3" (never saw the first 2), yet I'm absolutely thrilled that it clobbered "Saw 5" to be the number 1 movie this weekend. Derivative, soulless fluff beats derivative, soulless snuff any day of the year.
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10-29-2008 @ 6:16AM
hewardsion said...
It was out standing movie teen topic movie series any body is fallen love with. Brand new songs added. Most beautiful thing about the movie is it is fallowing story from the part one, actors were grate. Lot to learn as a teen and adults too can enjoy the movie. http://www.80millionmoviesfree.com is where I found the movie. It is easy to see from home else hanging on the traffic
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