via efronfreak.com

There are many reasons to see the latest installment of High School Musical. 1. It looks to be the last time most of the original Wildcats will be appearing in an East Side production. (Of the six main players, Sharpay is Most Likely to Return for HSM4:Post-graduation, the diva will assist Ms. D with the running of a Troy-and-Gabrielle-less drama department.) 2. The opening scene features a super close-up of Zac Efron, his hair glistening with sweat, his eyes the most unbelievably perfect shade of blue. (Actually, the fact that HSM3 features Zac at all is reason enough to see it.) And 3. The film's finale will have even the most fair-weather HSM fan feeling seriously sentimental-- especially when the cameras zoom in for the principals' good-bye smiles and winks.

Even if you've never seen HSM 1 or 2 (if such a tween or teen exists), the third chapter can be enjoyed as a happy meal unto itself. The dancing, sets, and costumes are bigger and better, just like the cinema screens that host HSM3's debut. On the whole, the first had a better collection of songs-- but the opening and closing numbers, not to mention Ryan and Sharpay's big cafeteria production, are absolutely awesome. And if you are a diehard, you'll eat up every single morsel that furthers the story of a bunch of kids who refuse to identify with one stereotype, be it basketball player, cheerleader or class president. The central plot point: Will Troy choose basketball and the University of Arizona or theater and Julliard?

In sum, CGG whole-heartedly recommends HSM3. Ok, so it doesn't have an ironic bone in its body; however you can't be mad at the fact that it reinforces the notion that you can be whomever you want to be, whatever you want to be. Indeed, it is you who determines your future and your destiny-- not your best friend, father, girlfriend or boyfriend. Even if your boyfriend happens to be (gulp) Troy Bolton!

Now it's your turn: Tell CGG what you thought of HSM3-- the good, the great, the bad, the cheesy-- by commenting below.

Nonetheless, big props to a franchise that once again shows that jocks can love theater, and that theater kids can accept jocks on their "court" too. Also make sure to check out how you as well can support more of the arts in education.