I survived watching all Disney Channel musicals.
We're only a few months away from High School Musical's ten-year-anniversary, arguably the third-most-influential tween-brand of this century after Harry Potter and Twilight. Its sequel, High School Musical 2: The Legend of Curly's Gold is still the highest-rated made-for-cable movie, watched by 17.2 million viewers (compare that to another highly-anticipated sequel, Sharknado 2: The Second One, which reached 3.9 million viewers). Without its success, important cultural touchstones like Glee or Pitch Perfect wouldn't have been produced, but more importantly, we even might never have gotten to see Nicole Kidman pee on Zac Efron. Disney tried to emulate that formula ever since, often successfully. Let's take a look at their TV musicals from the past decade (not included: The Cheetah Girls franchise which was already a hit when High School Musical fever broke out). Spoiler: Four of them even feature coded queer characters!
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (2006)
What's it about? "With a plot described by the author and numerous critics as a modern adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, High School Musical is a story about two high school juniors from rival cliques - Troy Bolton, captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella Montez, a shy transfer student who excels in mathematics and science. Together, they try out for the lead parts in their high school musical, and as a result, divide the school. Despite other students' attempts to thwart their dreams, Troy and Gabriella resist peer pressure and rivalry, inspiring others along the way not to "stick to the status quo". High school diva Sharpay Evans will do anything to sabotage the friendship between Troy and Gabriella and also get a lead in the school musical, assisted by her brother Ryan." (Wikipedia)
That does sound familiar... Even more than Romeo & Juliet, this is blatantly using the same set-up as Grease with Troy and Gabriella running in completely different circles but meeting by chance during the holidays only to then find out that they will go to the same school from now on.
Is it a "real" musical? Yes. Several of the songs are performed on stage, but it does feature four genuine "breaking into song"-production numbers including the whole basketball team dancing during training.
Is it any good? It's far from a perfect film and sometimes it seems as if it's just trying everything out to see what fits, but that's part of its charme. Back in 2006, this was just a scrappy underdog movie that premiered in January, nobody expected it to be that huge, and that's why it works. It's cheesy and earnest and feels a bit like theater kids enthusiastically putting on their first big show and you just can't hate it.
How's the music? It's a slapdash mix of radio pop, Broadway melodies and love ballads. The songs may not work well together, but individually they're a lot of fun.
Who is the break-out star? Zac Efron (who wasn't allowed to sing here and was dubbed by Drew Seeley) went on to become a teen heartthrob, but Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel are so much more fun to watch as the villainous twins and are the stand-outs of the whole series.
Most important question: Is Ryan gay? Answer: You bet he is, even though of course the series shied away from ever confirming it.
Most noteworthy song: I'm a huge fan of Ryan and Sharpays's version of "What I've Been Looking For", but the centerpiece is "Stick To The Status Quo" which is the most Broadway-like number of the franchise and apparently a huge hit with school theater groups and glee clubs everywhere.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 (2007)
What's it about? "In the second installment of the Disney franchise, high school student Troy Bolton stresses over getting a job, with the price of college expenses looming on his mind, as well as trying to make sure he and Gabriella Montez are able to stay together all summer. This situation attracts the attention of Sharpay Evans, who attempts to steal Troy for herself by hiring him at her family's country club." (Wikipedia)
That does sound familiar... No, it doesn't. Interestingly, the worst film on this list is also the most original.
Is it a "real" musical? Yes, even more than the first one.
Is it any good? Not at all. After the surprising success of the first one, Disney tried to make this one bigger and better and only half-succeeded. It's just polished and soulless, throwing spectacular production numbers at you every ten minutes, but not bothering with telling an interesting story inbetween. It's hard to relate to anything that happens here and even worse, just don't care about it. The biggest mistake was probably moving the whole plot to a golf club, who would have guessed that the high school setting was so integral to a franchise called High School Musical?
How's the music? Much more homogenic than the first one, and probably the best thing about this movie if you're into harmless factory radio pop.
Who is the break-out star? The movie wisely gave Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel more to do. It's Sharpay's world and we all just live in it.
Most important question: Why is Zac Efron so orange?
Most noteworthy song: "Bet On It" might just be the most awkward, cringe-worthy scene in the history of cinema.
CAMP ROCK (2008)
What's it about? "It centers on a teen girl named Mitchie who desperately wants to spend her summer at a prestigious rock camp but can only attend if she works in the kitchen as one of its cooks. When she's overheard singing (but not seen) by a teen pop star at the camp, he is completely taken and sets out to find the girl behind the beautiful voice. But first she must confront her fears, step out of the kitchen and into the spotlight." (IMDb)
That does sound familiar... Cinderella goes to Summer Camp.
Is it a "real" musical? No. Nobody's spontaneously breaking out in song, every musical number is just someone rehearsing or performing on a stage.
Is it any good? Not really. I actually think the Jonas Brothers are quite talented musicians, but back in 2008 they still lacked acting experience and it shows. Even more troubling, the movie sidelines two of them and concentrates on Joe who has almost no chemistry with Demi Lovato and the completely predictable script doesn't help battling the boredom. Also, don't even bother with the completely unnecessary "Extended Edition" which only tacks another performance onto the film.
How's the music? Serviceable, utterly forgettable pop rock.
Who is the break-out star? This was supposed to be a star vehicle for the Jonas Brothers first and Demi Lovato second, but neither of them really raises to the challenge. The real standout is Maria Canals Barrera as Mitchie's mother.
Most important question: What is up with this strange scene of bitchy Tess reading Mitchie's notes? Was that supposed to lead to anything?
Most noteworthy song: I really have to stretch the definition of noteworthy here, but let's take Mitchie's big self esteem anthem that she's been working on the whole movie.
CAMP ROCK 2: THE FINAL JAM (2010)
What's it about? "Mitchie can't wait to return to camp rock so that she and love-interest Shane can spend the summer making music and having fun with their friends and band mates. But when a rival camp, Camp Star, opens across the lake, it causes many Camp Rock campers and counselors to ditch Camp Rock and join Camp Star. The Camp Rock gang spends the summer preparing for a dramatic battle of the camps; while still maintaining to have fun." (IMDb)
That does sound familiar... "The rival camp across the lake" is probably one of the most used tropes from the 80s.
Is it a "real" musical? Yes! Most numbers are still performance-based, but there are a few instances of people genuinely breaking out into song.
Is it any good? It's still not great, but a marked improvement. The acting from everyone involved is a lot better, and the whole film is a bit funnier and more joyful than the first one. It also gives Nick and Kevin Jonas more to do which was the right call. Sure, the plot is still just a collection of tropes, but at least the film seems to be aware of that.
How's the music? It's still mostly forgettable.
Who is the break-out star? Eh, let's just give that to Kevin Jonas, he never wins anything.
Most important question: Why is Mitchie running the camp all of a sudden?
Most noteworthy song: In a mostly pointless b-plot Nick Jonas woos the daughter of the rival camp manager which leads to the charming, badly lip-synced "Introducing Me".
LEMONADE MOUTH (2011)
What's it about? "Five high school kids, Olivia, Wendall, Stella, Charlie, and "Mo", meet in detention and start a band based off the lemonade vending machine outside the detention room." (Wikipedia)
That does sound familiar... "Five completely different teens meet in detention" will always be associated with Breakfast Club, but it's actually an adaptation of Mark Peter Hughes' book from 2007.
Is it a "real" musical? Only if I'm being generous. Most of the musical numbers are just the band rehearsing or performing, but there are a few spontaneous songs that could qualify.
Is it any good? It's surprisingly great. First of all, it looks so good, it could have been released theatrically without anyone noticing that it was meant for TV. All five band members are three-dimensional and have their own arcs, the plot isn't always predictable and it's the one movie from this list with the least amount of romance, focusing on friendship and expressing yourself instead.
How's the music? It's the usual pop rock stuff, but the enthusiasm of the band elevates it. Their rival band Mudslide Crush is terrible though.
Who is the break-out star? All five band members are talented actors and musicians, and Christopher McDonald has a lot of fun with his role as the villainous headmaster. Let's give this to Bridgit Mendler who had to sing most of the songs and has the most dramatic arc.
Most important question: Could Stella be the rare coded lesbian character?
Most noteworthy song: Their very first spontaneous jam session during detention is pure movie magic.
LET IT SHINE (2012)
What's it about? "The film follows a shy, talented rapper and musician who pens romantic hip-hop verses only to stand idly by as they're delivered to the girl of his dreams by a proxy, his best friend." (Wikipedia)
That does sound familiar... It's Cyrano de Bergerac, right down to the names of the main characters: Cyrus, Kris and Roxanne.
Is it a "real" musical? Barely. All songs are some kind of performance or rehearsal, but a few of them advance the plot, like Cyrus singing a love song to Roxanne while she thinks it's Kris, and him later confessing in a song. Technically, the various rap battles also count.
Is it any good? It's definitely one of the most interesting movies on the list with its almost all-black cast, spotlight on religion (Cyrus' father is a Pastor who disapproves of hip-hop aka "the Devil's music") and the cleanest rap battles you'll ever hear, but it's still just a middling effort. The whole film just screams "TV movie" with its boring look and serviceable direction, and even considering it's an adaptation, the screenplay is just paint-by-numbers.
How's the music? An interesting mix of competent pop, gospel, R'n'B and hip-hop. Nothing groundbreaking, but it's good to hear something other than the usual factory pop songs.
Who is the break-out star? Coco Jones as Roxanne has the pipes, but Brandon Mychal Smith as Cyrus' evil rival Lord of Da Bling steals the show.
Most important question: Did the Pastor really just say "hip-hop-crisy" in his sermon?
Most noteworthy song: Here's the most-musical theater moment, Cyrus' confession to Roxanne.
TEEN BEACH MOVIE (2013)
What's it about? "Life's a beach for surfers Brady and McKenzie - until a rogue wave magically transports them inside the classic '60s beach party flick, Wet Side Story, where a full-blown rivalry between bikers and surfers threatens to erupt. There, amidst a sea of surfing, singing and dancing, Brady and Mack accidentally change the storyline, and the film's dreamy hero and heroine fall for them instead of for each other!" (Official Disney plot description)
That does sound familiar... It's Disney's version of the unjustly underrated Pleasantville.
Is it a "real" musical? Yes. It uses the conceit that Brady and Mack are stuck in a musical, but there also a huge production number at the end when they're back in the real world.
Is it any good? It's fantastic. The musical numbers are all spectacular and probably on par with the theatrical High School Musical 3, and it's even funny if you're not familiar with the very specific genre it's spoofing. And if you've seen one or several of those 60s Beach Party Movies, it's hilarious.
How's the music? It's got a very energetic 60s-pop-inspired soundtrack. I might have listened to the soundtrack several times by now.
Who is the break-out star? It's the rare example on this list of a main couple of equally talented stars (Ross Lynch and Maia Mitchell), but the very funny Garrett Clayton shines as Tanner, the dimwitted hero of Wet Side Story.
Most important question: Is anyone from the target audience even remotely familiar with the genre it's making fun of?
Most noteworthy song: "Can't Stop Singing" is noteworthy for being the most low-key song of the film in a sea of huge production numbers. It's also a fun meta song explaining the premise.
TEEN BEACH 2 (2015)
What's it about? "Modern day teens Mack and Brady get a real world visit from Lela, Tanner, Butchy, and other surfer and biker pals from the beach party film within a film, Wet Side Story." (IMDb)
That does sound familiar... This time, the franchise puts its own spin on The Purple Rose of Cairo.
Is it a "real" musical? Yes. Even before Lela and Tanner bring music to the real world, the film tries to incorporate a few musical numbers.
Is it any good? It's a mess. The first half hour just rehashes the "Will their Summer love survive in school when they're just so different?"-plot from Grease again and is quite boring. Things perk up when Lela and Tanner arrive, but they also (thankfully) completely derail the plot that's been building up before. The last half hour is just baffling and features three different showdowns before it retcons the whole universe into an alternate reality. At least the choreography is still great.
How's the music? Not as fun as in the first one, and they even recycled two songs.
Who is the break-out star? The movie give Grace Phipps as Lela more to do, and she rises to the challenge. But once again Garrett Clayton's Tanner steals every single scene he's in.
Most important question: Huh? What? How? Why? Also, Tanner is supposed to be confused about his sexuality, right?
Most noteworthy song: "Twist That Frown" should be too ridiculous and cheesy to exist, and yet it does. It's glorious.
DESCENDANTS (2015)
What's it about? "Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost, home of the most infamous villains who ever lived, the kids of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island... until now. Sent to idyllic Auradon to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, these villainous kids must execute a plan that helps their evil parents achieve "world domination" once again! Will Maleficent's daughter and the other rebel teens follow in their rotten parents' footsteps or will they choose to embrace their innate goodness and save the kingdom?" (Amazon)
That does sound familiar... Disney's own Camelot-inspired high concept high school film Avalon High might have been a spiritual predecessor.
Is it a "real" musical? It wasn't planned as one, but once super-choreographer Kenny Ortego joined as director, songs were added.
Is it any good? It's a lot of fun, especially if you have a soft spot for Disney's animated classics. With its depiction of aging Disney villains, the improbable love story at its center and the "anything goes"-attitude for the musical numbers, it's destined to become a camp classic. It even has a love song with a flashback to a scene that happened only two minutes earlier. And it has really good production value (give or take a really crappy CGI dragon in the showdown). So, yes. It's pretty awesome.
How's the music? It's the most eclectric mix of songs since the first High School Musical, incorporating dubstep, Broadway, pop rock, doo-wop, rap and power ballads. Except for one notable example (see below), the songs are great.
Who is the break-out star? Dove Cameron and Mitchell Hope are really charming as the film's romantic couple, but come on, the movie has Kristen Chenoweth as Maleficent. Nothing can top that.
Most important question: A lot of people apparently want to know why Cruella De Vil is black in this film, but the answer to that is easy: Why not? More important is the question: How gay is her son Carlos?
Most noteworthy song: As I said, the songs are great, except for their butchering of the only non-original one, "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast, but at least it's mercifully short.
So, in conclusion:
WATCH: High School Musical, Lemonade Mouth, Teen Beach Movie, Descendants
AVOID: High School Musical 2, Teen Beach 2
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (2006)
What's it about? "With a plot described by the author and numerous critics as a modern adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, High School Musical is a story about two high school juniors from rival cliques - Troy Bolton, captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella Montez, a shy transfer student who excels in mathematics and science. Together, they try out for the lead parts in their high school musical, and as a result, divide the school. Despite other students' attempts to thwart their dreams, Troy and Gabriella resist peer pressure and rivalry, inspiring others along the way not to "stick to the status quo". High school diva Sharpay Evans will do anything to sabotage the friendship between Troy and Gabriella and also get a lead in the school musical, assisted by her brother Ryan." (Wikipedia)
That does sound familiar... Even more than Romeo & Juliet, this is blatantly using the same set-up as Grease with Troy and Gabriella running in completely different circles but meeting by chance during the holidays only to then find out that they will go to the same school from now on.
Is it a "real" musical? Yes. Several of the songs are performed on stage, but it does feature four genuine "breaking into song"-production numbers including the whole basketball team dancing during training.
Is it any good? It's far from a perfect film and sometimes it seems as if it's just trying everything out to see what fits, but that's part of its charme. Back in 2006, this was just a scrappy underdog movie that premiered in January, nobody expected it to be that huge, and that's why it works. It's cheesy and earnest and feels a bit like theater kids enthusiastically putting on their first big show and you just can't hate it.
How's the music? It's a slapdash mix of radio pop, Broadway melodies and love ballads. The songs may not work well together, but individually they're a lot of fun.
Who is the break-out star? Zac Efron (who wasn't allowed to sing here and was dubbed by Drew Seeley) went on to become a teen heartthrob, but Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel are so much more fun to watch as the villainous twins and are the stand-outs of the whole series.
Most important question: Is Ryan gay? Answer: You bet he is, even though of course the series shied away from ever confirming it.
Most noteworthy song: I'm a huge fan of Ryan and Sharpays's version of "What I've Been Looking For", but the centerpiece is "Stick To The Status Quo" which is the most Broadway-like number of the franchise and apparently a huge hit with school theater groups and glee clubs everywhere.
Click to viewHIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 (2007)
What's it about? "In the second installment of the Disney franchise, high school student Troy Bolton stresses over getting a job, with the price of college expenses looming on his mind, as well as trying to make sure he and Gabriella Montez are able to stay together all summer. This situation attracts the attention of Sharpay Evans, who attempts to steal Troy for herself by hiring him at her family's country club." (Wikipedia)
That does sound familiar... No, it doesn't. Interestingly, the worst film on this list is also the most original.
Is it a "real" musical? Yes, even more than the first one.
Is it any good? Not at all. After the surprising success of the first one, Disney tried to make this one bigger and better and only half-succeeded. It's just polished and soulless, throwing spectacular production numbers at you every ten minutes, but not bothering with telling an interesting story inbetween. It's hard to relate to anything that happens here and even worse, just don't care about it. The biggest mistake was probably moving the whole plot to a golf club, who would have guessed that the high school setting was so integral to a franchise called High School Musical?
How's the music? Much more homogenic than the first one, and probably the best thing about this movie if you're into harmless factory radio pop.
Who is the break-out star? The movie wisely gave Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel more to do. It's Sharpay's world and we all just live in it.
Most important question: Why is Zac Efron so orange?
Most noteworthy song: "Bet On It" might just be the most awkward, cringe-worthy scene in the history of cinema.
CAMP ROCK (2008)
What's it about? "It centers on a teen girl named Mitchie who desperately wants to spend her summer at a prestigious rock camp but can only attend if she works in the kitchen as one of its cooks. When she's overheard singing (but not seen) by a teen pop star at the camp, he is completely taken and sets out to find the girl behind the beautiful voice. But first she must confront her fears, step out of the kitchen and into the spotlight." (IMDb)
That does sound familiar... Cinderella goes to Summer Camp.
Is it a "real" musical? No. Nobody's spontaneously breaking out in song, every musical number is just someone rehearsing or performing on a stage.
Is it any good? Not really. I actually think the Jonas Brothers are quite talented musicians, but back in 2008 they still lacked acting experience and it shows. Even more troubling, the movie sidelines two of them and concentrates on Joe who has almost no chemistry with Demi Lovato and the completely predictable script doesn't help battling the boredom. Also, don't even bother with the completely unnecessary "Extended Edition" which only tacks another performance onto the film.
How's the music? Serviceable, utterly forgettable pop rock.
Who is the break-out star? This was supposed to be a star vehicle for the Jonas Brothers first and Demi Lovato second, but neither of them really raises to the challenge. The real standout is Maria Canals Barrera as Mitchie's mother.
Most important question: What is up with this strange scene of bitchy Tess reading Mitchie's notes? Was that supposed to lead to anything?
Most noteworthy song: I really have to stretch the definition of noteworthy here, but let's take Mitchie's big self esteem anthem that she's been working on the whole movie.
CAMP ROCK 2: THE FINAL JAM (2010)
What's it about? "Mitchie can't wait to return to camp rock so that she and love-interest Shane can spend the summer making music and having fun with their friends and band mates. But when a rival camp, Camp Star, opens across the lake, it causes many Camp Rock campers and counselors to ditch Camp Rock and join Camp Star. The Camp Rock gang spends the summer preparing for a dramatic battle of the camps; while still maintaining to have fun." (IMDb)
That does sound familiar... "The rival camp across the lake" is probably one of the most used tropes from the 80s.
Is it a "real" musical? Yes! Most numbers are still performance-based, but there are a few instances of people genuinely breaking out into song.
Is it any good? It's still not great, but a marked improvement. The acting from everyone involved is a lot better, and the whole film is a bit funnier and more joyful than the first one. It also gives Nick and Kevin Jonas more to do which was the right call. Sure, the plot is still just a collection of tropes, but at least the film seems to be aware of that.
How's the music? It's still mostly forgettable.
Who is the break-out star? Eh, let's just give that to Kevin Jonas, he never wins anything.
Most important question: Why is Mitchie running the camp all of a sudden?
Most noteworthy song: In a mostly pointless b-plot Nick Jonas woos the daughter of the rival camp manager which leads to the charming, badly lip-synced "Introducing Me".
LEMONADE MOUTH (2011)
What's it about? "Five high school kids, Olivia, Wendall, Stella, Charlie, and "Mo", meet in detention and start a band based off the lemonade vending machine outside the detention room." (Wikipedia)
That does sound familiar... "Five completely different teens meet in detention" will always be associated with Breakfast Club, but it's actually an adaptation of Mark Peter Hughes' book from 2007.
Is it a "real" musical? Only if I'm being generous. Most of the musical numbers are just the band rehearsing or performing, but there are a few spontaneous songs that could qualify.
Is it any good? It's surprisingly great. First of all, it looks so good, it could have been released theatrically without anyone noticing that it was meant for TV. All five band members are three-dimensional and have their own arcs, the plot isn't always predictable and it's the one movie from this list with the least amount of romance, focusing on friendship and expressing yourself instead.
How's the music? It's the usual pop rock stuff, but the enthusiasm of the band elevates it. Their rival band Mudslide Crush is terrible though.
Who is the break-out star? All five band members are talented actors and musicians, and Christopher McDonald has a lot of fun with his role as the villainous headmaster. Let's give this to Bridgit Mendler who had to sing most of the songs and has the most dramatic arc.
Most important question: Could Stella be the rare coded lesbian character?
Most noteworthy song: Their very first spontaneous jam session during detention is pure movie magic.
LET IT SHINE (2012)
What's it about? "The film follows a shy, talented rapper and musician who pens romantic hip-hop verses only to stand idly by as they're delivered to the girl of his dreams by a proxy, his best friend." (Wikipedia)
That does sound familiar... It's Cyrano de Bergerac, right down to the names of the main characters: Cyrus, Kris and Roxanne.
Is it a "real" musical? Barely. All songs are some kind of performance or rehearsal, but a few of them advance the plot, like Cyrus singing a love song to Roxanne while she thinks it's Kris, and him later confessing in a song. Technically, the various rap battles also count.
Is it any good? It's definitely one of the most interesting movies on the list with its almost all-black cast, spotlight on religion (Cyrus' father is a Pastor who disapproves of hip-hop aka "the Devil's music") and the cleanest rap battles you'll ever hear, but it's still just a middling effort. The whole film just screams "TV movie" with its boring look and serviceable direction, and even considering it's an adaptation, the screenplay is just paint-by-numbers.
How's the music? An interesting mix of competent pop, gospel, R'n'B and hip-hop. Nothing groundbreaking, but it's good to hear something other than the usual factory pop songs.
Who is the break-out star? Coco Jones as Roxanne has the pipes, but Brandon Mychal Smith as Cyrus' evil rival Lord of Da Bling steals the show.
Most important question: Did the Pastor really just say "hip-hop-crisy" in his sermon?
Most noteworthy song: Here's the most-musical theater moment, Cyrus' confession to Roxanne.
TEEN BEACH MOVIE (2013)
What's it about? "Life's a beach for surfers Brady and McKenzie - until a rogue wave magically transports them inside the classic '60s beach party flick, Wet Side Story, where a full-blown rivalry between bikers and surfers threatens to erupt. There, amidst a sea of surfing, singing and dancing, Brady and Mack accidentally change the storyline, and the film's dreamy hero and heroine fall for them instead of for each other!" (Official Disney plot description)
That does sound familiar... It's Disney's version of the unjustly underrated Pleasantville.
Is it a "real" musical? Yes. It uses the conceit that Brady and Mack are stuck in a musical, but there also a huge production number at the end when they're back in the real world.
Is it any good? It's fantastic. The musical numbers are all spectacular and probably on par with the theatrical High School Musical 3, and it's even funny if you're not familiar with the very specific genre it's spoofing. And if you've seen one or several of those 60s Beach Party Movies, it's hilarious.
How's the music? It's got a very energetic 60s-pop-inspired soundtrack. I might have listened to the soundtrack several times by now.
Who is the break-out star? It's the rare example on this list of a main couple of equally talented stars (Ross Lynch and Maia Mitchell), but the very funny Garrett Clayton shines as Tanner, the dimwitted hero of Wet Side Story.
Most important question: Is anyone from the target audience even remotely familiar with the genre it's making fun of?
Most noteworthy song: "Can't Stop Singing" is noteworthy for being the most low-key song of the film in a sea of huge production numbers. It's also a fun meta song explaining the premise.
TEEN BEACH 2 (2015)
What's it about? "Modern day teens Mack and Brady get a real world visit from Lela, Tanner, Butchy, and other surfer and biker pals from the beach party film within a film, Wet Side Story." (IMDb)
That does sound familiar... This time, the franchise puts its own spin on The Purple Rose of Cairo.
Is it a "real" musical? Yes. Even before Lela and Tanner bring music to the real world, the film tries to incorporate a few musical numbers.
Is it any good? It's a mess. The first half hour just rehashes the "Will their Summer love survive in school when they're just so different?"-plot from Grease again and is quite boring. Things perk up when Lela and Tanner arrive, but they also (thankfully) completely derail the plot that's been building up before. The last half hour is just baffling and features three different showdowns before it retcons the whole universe into an alternate reality. At least the choreography is still great.
How's the music? Not as fun as in the first one, and they even recycled two songs.
Who is the break-out star? The movie give Grace Phipps as Lela more to do, and she rises to the challenge. But once again Garrett Clayton's Tanner steals every single scene he's in.
Most important question: Huh? What? How? Why? Also, Tanner is supposed to be confused about his sexuality, right?
Most noteworthy song: "Twist That Frown" should be too ridiculous and cheesy to exist, and yet it does. It's glorious.
DESCENDANTS (2015)
What's it about? "Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost, home of the most infamous villains who ever lived, the kids of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island... until now. Sent to idyllic Auradon to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, these villainous kids must execute a plan that helps their evil parents achieve "world domination" once again! Will Maleficent's daughter and the other rebel teens follow in their rotten parents' footsteps or will they choose to embrace their innate goodness and save the kingdom?" (Amazon)
That does sound familiar... Disney's own Camelot-inspired high concept high school film Avalon High might have been a spiritual predecessor.
Is it a "real" musical? It wasn't planned as one, but once super-choreographer Kenny Ortego joined as director, songs were added.
Is it any good? It's a lot of fun, especially if you have a soft spot for Disney's animated classics. With its depiction of aging Disney villains, the improbable love story at its center and the "anything goes"-attitude for the musical numbers, it's destined to become a camp classic. It even has a love song with a flashback to a scene that happened only two minutes earlier. And it has really good production value (give or take a really crappy CGI dragon in the showdown). So, yes. It's pretty awesome.
How's the music? It's the most eclectric mix of songs since the first High School Musical, incorporating dubstep, Broadway, pop rock, doo-wop, rap and power ballads. Except for one notable example (see below), the songs are great.
Who is the break-out star? Dove Cameron and Mitchell Hope are really charming as the film's romantic couple, but come on, the movie has Kristen Chenoweth as Maleficent. Nothing can top that.
Most important question: A lot of people apparently want to know why Cruella De Vil is black in this film, but the answer to that is easy: Why not? More important is the question: How gay is her son Carlos?
Most noteworthy song: As I said, the songs are great, except for their butchering of the only non-original one, "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast, but at least it's mercifully short.
So, in conclusion:
WATCH: High School Musical, Lemonade Mouth, Teen Beach Movie, Descendants
AVOID: High School Musical 2, Teen Beach 2