by Julie Hewitt

Created on: June 16, 2008

Often times, with my most favorite films, I have been known to like the original work more. The beginning, the start. And with High School Musical, there is no exception. These films have never been my cup of tea until a recent viewing of both on the Disney Channel some weeks ago. There was something in the first that sparked a total love of the characters. All very different yet very the same in their journey through high school to find themselves. I think that the first High School Musical is that of wonder, new experiences, newfound passions, and the famous message that being true to yourself will bring its own rewards.

It's the story of Troy Bolton, East High's basketball star, and Gabriella Montez, the "freaky math girl" as she calls herself, and their coming together in discovering their voices. They both love to sing, but have the fear that that love will not be accepted by their respective peer groups. A fear all too common in most youths. But what they discover is that with each other, and their own personal strengths, they can "break free" and become who they have always wanted to be. Sharing in this passion has brought these two new friends closer than anyone imagined, and their inner strength and the strength they possess with each other shone brighter as time progressed.

With it's capacity to have characters of all varieties, High School Musical never shied away from having the manipulative popular girl, Sharpay Evans and her fantastically flamboyant twin brother Ryan come together as another amazing duet. Those two want nothing more than to keep their previous holding in the school as the leads in every musical production, and are very threatened when Troy and Gabriella decide to take on that very challenge. It shows that in high school you're hierarchy can mean the world to you and that most every school has a Sharpay. Another character that stands out is Kelsi Nielsen, the pianist and songwriter for the school's newest musical. Her caring and devoted personality shine as she is one of the key instigators in helping Troy and Gabriella reach for the stars in their callback audition.

Everyone in the world can relate to the messages portrayed in High School Musical. Whether you are a 45 year old adult or a 12 year old kid, you know what its like to be afraid to show your true self to the world and all it's judgement. Movies like High School Musical, aimed at youth, become very successful phenomenon's because they portray the actuality of life in a fun and exciting light but never stray away from letting you know that you must work hard to achieve any goal. The original High School Musical will forever be remembered for its simplicity in showing kids, and quite frankly adults, that you too can "break free", as long as you have the courage and strength to do so.

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