So I finally bit the bullet and took the Witchlings to go and see High School Musical 3. So now I am sitting here tapping my foot to annoyingly catchy songs that are still in my head (which apparently, I have to get in the game) about to write a Mums At The Movies review of the film from a parents’ point of view.
Since the Disney propelled, High School Musical phenomenon took off in 2006, it has been gathering followers and fans from around the globe.  They have been desperate to see how the teen heroes of the first movie will end up when High School graduation rolls around.
Tears and tantrums and general sulking ensued when I was forced to admit that I had been unable to obtain tickets for the opening night of High School Musical 3 at our local cinema. Even more tears were shed by Witchling 10 when her friend mistakenly offered to take her with her, only to discover that said friend’s mum was going after all!
It’s taken a few weeks but on Sunday evening we went along to the Odeon and smiled as the ridiculously over-excited Witchlings spent every penny of their pocket money on popcorn, sweets and fizzy drinks that were either consumed or spilled before the trailers began.
The Witchlings, along with the entire teen and pre-teen population has been feverishly anticipating the new movie and they weren’t disappointed. The movie is cheesy but sweet and is full of age-appropriate fun. There is no real bad guy or edginess with the exception of some of the Sharpay moments in the movie. Those heels are too high and those skirts are too short in my opinion! But as arch villains go she’s hardly the Wicked Witch Of The West. There’s no violence, smoking, or alcohol and the two sets of star crossed lovers (not sure if Kelsi and Ryan count) do no more than hold hands, dance, and share a few chaste kisses.
All this is in stark contrast to Grease and even Grease 2 which were the High School Musicals of my day. Am I showing my age too much here? Grease in particular was filled with smoking, drinking, car crime and sex. It even tackled the prospect of unwanted teenage pregnancy! The Witchlings have seen both of the Grease movies, and all of the High School Musical films now, and I know which I would prefer them to watch!
High School Musical 3 may be a cheesy, disneyfied, rose tinted presentation of high school life and teen age experiences but is it so very wrong to allow our young people to harbour dreams of graduating at the top of their classes and living clean and honest lives.  So many films depict violence and destruction, it was a refreshing (if occasionally cringeworthy) change to see a life affirming movie for children.
The film sends a message that you don’t have to do what your parent’s always expect. You can break the mould and make your own future.  A lesson for parents of teenagers everywhere. And you don’t have to conform to your peer group’s expectations either. Basketball players can tread the boards and chunky science geeks can be cheerleaders! I’m all in favour.
So now I’m off to re-mortgage the house so that I can buy all the merchandise and console games and clothes and stationery that we suddenly seem to need!
I wonder if I would fit into a cheerleader outfit…..

Suitable for young children - Yes

Adult Themes - Mild

Sexual Content - Nil

Violence - Nil

Offensive Language - Nil

Parent Gossip Rating - ****

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